Eagles acquire former Oregon RB Kenjon Barner from Panthers
The Eagles traded for Panthers running back/returner Kenjon Barner, a former Oregon standout who played for coach Chip Kelly. They surrendered a conditional seventh-round pick in 2015.
Barner, who is 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, was a 2013 sixth-round pick. The 25-year old had only six carries and two kickoff returns in eight games for the Panthers last season. But he starred for Kelly at Oregon, where Barner was a first-team all-American as a senior while rushing for 1,767 yards and 21 touchdowns.
"Kenjon will hopefully bring some depth to both our running back and return positions," Kelly said in a statement. "He's obviously a guy I know really well from Oregon, where he had a very productive career. He has a lot of speed, explosiveness and had a knack for making some really big plays. But our plan with him right now is get him in Philadelphia as soon as we can and plug him in at running back and returner and let him compete."
The Eagles already have a crowded backfield, with LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles locks to make the roster. Chris Polk was expected to have a role on the Eagles this situation, but his preseason hamstring injury has complicated his situation. The team also returns Matthew Tucker. Undrafted rookies David Fluellen and Henry Josey are competing for spots.
Josh Huff, another Oregon standout, has an AC sprain in his right shoulder. Huff does not believe the injury will keep him out long, and hopes to be back by opening week. But Barner also provides insurance for Huff.
@ZBerm