New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints resign guard Khalif Barnes

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Cut after preseason with the Saints, Barnes was brought back in to help patch a roughed up offensive line.

PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 8: Offensive lineman Khalif Barnes

Saints starting tackle Terron Armstead is still sitting out with a knee issue. Andrus Peat who filled in for Armstead against the Falcons on Monday night received horrible grades from Pro Football Focus in relief. Though Peat played the left tackle position throughout his time at Stanford, he’s proven ineffective there as a pro, playing this year, instead, at guard.

Khalif Barnes was cut by the Oakland Raiders on August 30 of this year, signed by the Saints in time to play in one preseason game and then cut by them.

With a recent injury to back-up guard Senio Kelemete (hamstring) and with another back-up guard, Tim Lelito, having left early in the Falcons game to an unspecified injury, the Saints are woefully understaffed on the offensive line.

Barnes played collegiately at the University of Washington and was drafted in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars where he played for four years. Following that stint he was with the Raiders from 2009-2015.

Though listed as a tackle, most of Barnes’ pro career has been spent at guard though he can play either spot. Checking in at 6’6″ and 321 lbs. there’s a concern with having him on the interior of the line with a quarterback of Drew Brees’ stature and him not being able to see passing lanes.

Sep 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Stephen Houston (33) runs from New Orleans Saints defensive end Obum Gwacham (58) during the fourth quarter of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Ravens won, 23-14. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

But such is the state of the Saints offensive line at the moment with a lack of quality players available. Former Saints tackle Tony Hills was also recently brought back to the team.

It’s hopeful that Terron Armstead can return soon and at least that part of the roster can begin to play up to speed again. The good news to this point is that right tackle Zach Strief has been grading out well through three games and appears to be rejuvenating his career.

Room was made for Barnes on the roster with DE Obam Gwacham being placed on injured reserve.

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