FLOWERY BRANCH —The Falcons have agreed to terms with running back Kenjon Barner on a one-year contract.
Barner was originally selected by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round (182nd overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft. The Oregon alum spent one season with the Panthers, seeing action in eight games, totaling six carries for seven yards during his rookie campaign while adding one kickoff return for 16 yards during the NFC Divisional Playoff game.
Barner was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014, where he spent three seasons. He saw action in 36 games, recording 71 carries for 310 yards and three touchdowns and 31 catches for 120 yards. In 2017, Barner was Philadelphia’s primary punt returner, returning 27 punts for 240 yards (8.9 yards per return). The veteran added 10 returns on kickoffs for 194 yards (19.4 yards per return). In a victory over the Arizona Cardinals, Barner had three punt returns for 110 yards, including a 76 yarder, earning Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
Last season, Barner was signed by the New England Patriots where he played in five games, totaling 19 carries for 71 yards. He was later claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers, seeing action in four games, recording nine kickoff returns for 220 yards and seven punt returns for 29 yards.
Barner will add depth behind Devonta Freeman and Ito Smith after Tevin Coleman signed as a free agent with San Francisco.
