New Chargers T Joe Barksdale
The NFL offseason is in full swing for the rest of the AFC West.
The Broncos are in Phase II of their offseason program, the Chiefs wrapped up Rookie Mini-Camp Monday, and the San Diego Chargers signed Joe Barksdale.
After spending the past three seasons in St. Louis with the Rams, Barksdale signed with the Chargers Tuesday, adding depth along the offensive line tasked with protecting Philip Rivers.
The Detroit, Mich., native played his college football at LSU, and after four years in the Bayou was selected by the Raiders in the 3rd round (No. 92 overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft.
During his rookie season in Oakland, Barksdale appeared in all 16 games, helping Michael Bush rush for 977 yards and seven touchdowns as the Raiders finished the 2011 campaign 8-8.
Prior to 2012, Barksdale joined the Rams, appearing in six games with two starts in his first season in St. Louis.
He then became a staple on the St. Louis offensive line, appearing in all 16 games in both 2013 and 2014, starting all of them last year.
The veteran lineman now packs his bags and heads west, joining the Chargers for 2015.
According to Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune, Barksdale's role in San Diego is yet to be determined, as he could start for the Chargers or just be another lineman to add depth.
The Raiders play the division rival Chargers twice in 2015, traveling to San Diego Week 7, with Barksdale set to make his return to O.co Coliseum on Christmas Eve when the Raiders play host to the Chargers in the regular season home finale.
