Barnes originally entered the NFL in 2017 as an undrafted free agent out of Alabama State. The 6-foot-5, 256-pound tight end signed with the Detroit Lions following the 2017 NFL Draft and spent the offseason program with the club before finishing his rookie training camp with the New York Jets. Barnes spent the majority of his rookie season as a free agent, but signed to the Lions' practice squad ahead of the team's regular season finale and later signed as a reserve/future free agent with the club. Barnes has not appeared in an NFL contest and was not with a team last season after being waived before training camp.