Bengals sign exceptionally athletic undrafted free agent without sacrificing an offseason roster space to fit him

Barnett is of Jamaican descent and grew up in Birmingham. He found American football as a sport he wanted to pursue as a teenager and made it into the NFL Academy in Leicestershire where he spent three years developing his craft. He eventually traveled to the U.S. to pursue college football at a notable program but didn't have the academic requirements to join any of them. He landed on Division III Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he played for a year in 2022. 

Barnett eventually moved back to England but stayed ready for an opportunity to put on the pads once again. He got his chance with the IPP and made the cut as one of 13 players to join the class of 2025. 

The Bengals are signing Barnett following the 2025 NFL Draft from this program, which means he'll be classified in a unique manner.

How the NFL International Player Pathway program works

Players from the IPP can be signed as a free agent or drafted if eligible in the current draft. Barnett, for example, was eligible to be drafted, but never heard his name called. Should a team add a player from the IPP, said player does not count toward the offseason roster once the club's offseason program ensues. 

Each NFL club is permitted one roster exemption for a qualifying international player from the start of the club's offseason program through the roster reduction to 53 players. At that time, qualifying international players are eligible to be signed to a 17^th practice squad roster spot reserved for international athletes across any of the 32 teams. - NFL.com

Cincinnati adding Barnett as a UDFA means they can technically roster 91 players throughout the offseason before cutting down to 53 and 16 on the practice squad. Should Barnett impress, the Bengals can keep him as a 17th practice squad member without violating any rules. The program itself encourages clubs to develop international players. 

Why Dante Barnett is signing with Cincinnati

The Bengals exited the 2025 draft without selecting a defensive tackle. Howard Cross III and Eric Gregory are joining the fray as fellow UDFAs along with Barnett, but there are snaps to be had at the position throughout OTAs and training camp. 

Barnett himself is also an exceptional athlete. During USF's pro day back in March, he was clocked running a 4.69 40-yard dash at 6-1 and 275 pounds according to Dane Brugler's "The Beast" NFL Draft guide for The Athletic. 

Seeing what Barnett can do at defensive tackle during a full NFL offseason is certainly worth a shot. The Bengals can always stash him on the practice squad with their exemption spot. 

Past IPP success stories include Philadelphia Eagles OT Jordan Mailata (Australia), Washington Commanders defensive end Efe Obada (United Kingdom), and Minnesota Vikings tight end Sammis Reyes (Chile). The Bengals will look to see if Barnett can join this group.