Houston Gamblers DT Kyon Barrs Signs With Carolina Panthers
Houston Gamblers defensive tackle Kyon Barrs has signed with the Carolina Panthers, becoming the 25th United Football League player to earn an NFL contract following the 2026 season.
Barrs is the eighth member of the Gamblers to make the jump to the NFL this offseason, further highlighting Houston’s success in developing professional talent.
Kyon Barrs Becomes Latest Gambler to Reach NFL
The Panthers add a proven interior defensive lineman after Barrs appeared in all 10 games for Houston during the 2026 UFL season.
The 6-foot-1, 309-pound defensive tackle finished the year with 27 tackles, three tackles for loss, half a sack and four pass breakups while serving as a key contributor along the Gamblers’ defensive front.
Barrs consistently disrupted opposing offenses with his combination of size, strength and versatility, helping anchor one of the league’s defensive units throughout the season.
Houston Continues Producing NFL Talent
Barrs joins an impressive list of Gamblers players who have earned NFL opportunities since the conclusion of the 2026 UFL season.
Houston has now produced eight NFL signees, including:
- Gottlieb Ayedze (Miami Dolphins)
- Major Burns (Miami Dolphins)
- Kaden Davis (Chicago Bears)
- Hunter Dekkers (New Orleans Saints)
- Lawrence Keys (Detroit Lions)
- Jalen Moreno-Cropper (New Orleans Saints)
- Ameer Speed (Dallas Cowboys)
- Kyon Barrs (Carolina Panthers)
The latest signing further reinforces the UFL’s growing reputation as a developmental league capable of preparing players for NFL rosters.
Built on Two Productive UFL Seasons
Barrs also spent the 2025 season with the Dallas Renegades, appearing in all 10 games while recording 24 tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss and one pass breakup.
Over two UFL seasons, he established himself as a dependable defensive lineman capable of making an impact against both the run and the pass.
NFL Opportunity Comes Full Circle
Before joining the UFL, Barrs signed with the Seattle Seahawks near the end of the team’s 2024 training camp.
A native of Murrieta, California, Barrs played 45 collegiate games between USC and Arizona before launching his professional career.
His strong performances with both the Renegades and Gamblers ultimately earned another opportunity in the NFL, where he will now compete for a roster spot with the Carolina Panthers.
The Houston Gamblers retain Barrs’ UFL rights should he return to the league in the future.
Source: UFL
