Our preview on the Browns’ exclusive rights free agents continues with OG Chris Barker.
How and When He Joined the Browns: In May 2017, the Browns claimed Barker off waivers from the Patriots. He was originally an undrafted free agent by the Miami Dolphins in 2013. From 2013-2016, he bounced between the Patriots’ roster and practice squad many times.
Productivity Level Last Season: Before he could even get into the mix of training camp, Barker was waived/injured at the end of July 2017 with a ruptured left Achilles.
Why Keeping Him Could Make Sense: I almost always make the case of why it makes sense to keep a player, but in this case, I really don’t see the advantage of retaining Barker.
What the Browns Should Do: Barker has spent most of his NFL career on Patriots’ practice squads. He saw about three months of offseason action with Cleveland last year before suffering a ruptured left Achilles. Odds are, he wasn’t going to make the final roster anyway. Add in the fact that he’s coming off of a big injury, and I wouldn’t even tender him if I was the Browns. He should become a free agent.
Let us know below whether or not the team should try to tender or re-sign Chris Barker!