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Nick Barnett, 6'2", 228 lbs
Oregon State, Linebacker
1st Season with the Redskins (11th Year in the NFL)
Key Career Stats:
1st Round Pick in 2003 (29th Overall by Green Bay)
Free Agent Signed by WAS in 2013
Career NFL Stats: 10 Seasons, 1029 Tackles, 20.5 Sacks, 6 Forced Fumbles, 12 Interceptions
Twitter Handle: @NickBarnett
Career Summary:
Barnett is the second leading tackler in Green Bay's history. From 2003 to 2007, he averaged 122 tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions per year. He was signed to a contract extension after the 2007 season and rewarded for his stellar play up to that point. Unfortunately, his 2008 campaign was curtailed by a knee injury after nine games. He got through all sixteen games in 2009 with 108 tackles and four sacks, but suffered another season ending injury, this time to his wrist, after only four games in 2010.
Barnett was released following the 2010 season and signed with the Buffalo Bills. He was able to stay healthy and play in all sixteen games in 2011 and 2012, collecting 242 tackles, fives sacks, four forced fumbles and three interceptions.
What is coming in 2013:
Barnett signed with Washington on July 31 to provide depth after Keenan Robinson went down with another pectoral injury. During his stay with the Bills, Barnett would often play right outside linebacker when they were in their base 4-3 defense, but would move to the middle when they played their nickel and dime packages. He was usually tasked with covering the tight ends and running backs out of the backfield, and should be a dependable veteran back-up to London Fletcher this year with the Redskins. He is not the fastest linebacker, but is fluid and intelligent with little wasted movement after the snap and can play the "Mike" position if necessary.