Kenjon Barner, Eagles sign contract

Kenjon Barner is back. After putting him through a workout, the Philadelphia Eagles signed the free agent running back to a one-year contract, according to an official announcement from the team.

Here’s what we wrote about Barner earlier today.

Barner spent three years with Philadelphia after the Eagles traded for him in 2014. Last season, Barner ran for two touchdowns and 129 rushing yards (4.8 average) on 27 carries. He also had five receptions for 42 yards.

Barner was set to be a restricted free agent this offseason but the Eagles didn’t offer him a tender, thus making him unrestricted. Barner signed a contract with the Los Angeles Chargers (the Eagles’ Week 4 opponent) before being waived in final cuts.

Adding Barner to the roster could make sense. He knows the scheme and he’s shown good punt return ability in the preseason before. Barner was a player [Darren] Sproles really took under his wing (no pun intended) during their time together in Philadelphia.

The Eagles are signing Barner to help replace Sproles, especially when it comes to the punt return game. He becomes the fourth running back on Philadelphia’s roster now with Wendell Smallwood, LeGarrette Blount, and Corey Clement also under contract. Byron Marshall is still on the practice squad.

It’s likely a coincidence in this case, but it’s funny how the Eagles are signing Barner ahead of their game against his most recent team: the Chargers. The Eagles signed Washington quarterback Nate Sudfeld to their practice squad before playing the Redskins. Then the Birds signed former Chiefs cornerback DeVante Bausby before playing Kansas City. Hmmm.

Philadelphia’s roster is now full at the 53-man limit.