Free agent and trade targets for the Kansas City Chiefs offensive line

1. Joe Barksdale, OT, Free Agent

Joe Barksdale was a 3rd round pick in the 2011 draft by the Oakland Raiders. Now 31 years old, the 6-5, 326 lb. Barksdale was a staple along the lines across the NFL before finding himself injured and unemployed by the end of last season.

After playing in all 16 games in 2011 for the Raiders, the team waived the former LSU Tiger early in the 2012 season. He simply became an odd man out in the Bay Area and landed with the Rams. After starting two games in 2012 for the (then) St. Louis Rams, Barksdale went on to start 60 of the team’s next 64 contests. He played three seasons for the Chargers after that but ended last season with injury after starting four games for the Cardinals.

When discussing his free agency, Barksdale said, “I’m a big believer in where your head is at determines where you’re going to go … I’m absolutely interested in coming back.”

Barksdale likely is not giving anyone a full-time starter type signing at this point in the season or his career, but while the Chiefs await the return of Pro Bowl left tackle Eric Fisher, he may prove to be a more than adequate replacement for the beleaguered Cameron Erving. He has experience to play both sides of the line and can serve as a quality backup swing tackle in the event that the Chiefs need one in the home stretch of the season.