The Los Angeles Chargers have signed running back Kenjon (pronounced ken-yawn) Barner to a one-year contract, the team announced Monday. Earlier in the day, the team re-signed defensive tackle Tenny Palepoi and guard-tackle Kenny Wiggins.
The 5-9, 195-pound Barner spent the last two seasons (2015-16) with the Philadelphia Eagles after originally being drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round in 2013. Barner played in eight games for the Panthers in 2013 before being traded to Philadelphia in 2014. He was waived-injured before the start of the 2014 season but returned to spend the last half of the season on Philadelphia’s practice squad. Barner appeared in 23 games over the last two seasons for the Eagles. His career totals include 61 carries for 260 yards (4.3 avg.) and two touchdowns, along with 16 catches for an additional 71 yards. Barner also has experience as a returner, logging 12 kickoff returns for a 25.3-yard average and three punt returns for a 6.3-yard average.
A native of Riverside, California, Barner played collegiately at Oregon where he was a two-year team captain and a first-team All-America and All-Pac-12 choice as a senior. He finished his career second in school history with 3,623 rushing yards and tied for second with 41 rushing touchdowns, while adding 54 catches for 591 yards and another seven scores. As a senior in 2012, Barner rushed for 1,767 yards (second in school history), while tying Oregon’s single-season record with 21 rushing touchdowns.
The Chargers also announced on Monday that exclusive rights free agent wide receiver Geremy Davis signed his contract tender.
