He made the Pro Bowl his first three years in the league (1957–1959) and was a key member of the backfield during the 1960 NFL Championship Game.
During the title game against the Green Bay Packers, Barnes ran the ball 13 times for 42 yards.
He had a nine-yard run and key 13-yard pass reception on the game-winning drive, and blocked Packer defensive end Bill Quinlan that helped Ted Dean to score the winning touchdown.
In 1965, Barnes returned to the Eagles as a free agent, but was traded to the Minnesota Vikings for a draft choice before the season began.
Barnes retired following the 1966 season, and became head coach of the Continental Football League's Charleston Rockets in 1968.