Raiders re-sign OL Khalif Barnes

Originally published on Silver & Black Report on Feb. 28, 2014

The Raiders announced on Friday that they have re-signed offensive lineman Khalif Barnes.

Barnes has already played five years for the Silver & Black while appearing in 63 games with 46 starts in all. With much of the offensive line banged up last season, Barnes filled in by moving from his right-tackle position to start 11 games at left tackle and five at left guard. He started all nine games at right tackle in 2012 and all 16 there in 2011.

“I’m so excited to be back,” Barnes said in the press release. “I’m going on my sixth year here, and we’ve had some ups and downs but there are some unfinished things we have to do here. I want to be a part of the process that turns this thing around. I believe in Dennis [Allen] and I believe in Reggie [McKenzie]. I am just excited I get the chance to come back and help this team win.”

Originally a second-round draft pick (52nd overall) for the Jacksonville Jaguars, the 6-foot-7, 321-pound offensive lineman has 103 career starts in nine NFL seasons.

With free agency set to begin March 11, Raider Nation continues to await for news on a contract extension for starting left tackle Jared Veldheer.