Eagles will NOT tender Kenjon Barner, report says

The Eagles likely won’t be bringing back Kenjon Barner for the 2017 season. The restricted free agent running back will NOT receive a tender from the Eagles, according to a report from the Inquirer’s Zach Berman. This means Barner will now become an unrestricted free agent free to sign with any team.

This news isn’t really surprising. Barner, who turns 28 in April, was a backup running back for the Eagles at best. He logged 55 carries in two seasons with Philadelphia. He also handled some punt and kick returns. The Eagles originally acquired Barner in a trade with the Carolina Panthers in August 2014.

Barner was decent for Philadelphia last season. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry and scored two touchdowns. He also averaged 30.8 yards per kick return on nine attempts. Some other team will probably take a flier on him.

The Eagles are looking to remake their backfield, though, so there wasn’t really room for a part-time back like Barner here. Philadelphia desperately needs to upgrade their backfield this offseason with a legitimate full-time answer.

Running backs under contract with the Eagles currently include: Ryan Mathews (expected to be cut), Darren Sproles, Wendell Smallwood, Byron Marshall, and Terrell Watson. Fullback Andrew Bonnet was signed to a futures/reserves contract earlier this offseason.