Barnett was initially signed by the Patriots as a free agent in April 1994 when he was working at McDonald's.[2][3] In a game against the Chicago Bears in October 1994, Barnett blocked a field goal attempt to help secure the Patriots 6–3 victory in what teammate Mike Pitts called "probably the biggest play of the season right there."[4]
After starting 15 games for the Patriots in 1995, Barnett was waived before the start of the 1996 season.[5][1] He was resigned by the Patriots in November but he only played 1 game for the Patriots in 1996 before being waived again.[1][5][6] He was then signed by the Redskins and played 3 games for the Redskins.[1][7][8]
Barnett was signed during the 1997 offseason but was waived before the regular season began.[9][10]