Oakland Raiders re-sign Khalif Barnes

November 24, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Tennessee Titans defensive end Derrick Morgan (91) rushes against the block of Oakland Raiders tackle Khalif Barnes (69) during the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Titans defeated the Raiders 23-19. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Even though Raider fans are eagerly awaiting to see the fates of key unrestricted free agents Lamarr Houston, Jared Veldheer and Rashad Jennings the team did lock up one of their UFA’s on Friday afternoon as general manager Reggie McKenzie did some more housekeeping.

The team extended the contract of role playing offensive lineman Khalif Barnes after one of his best years as a Raider in 2014, stepping up in the absence of Jared Veldheer and rejuvenating his career alongside fellow former Jacksonville Jaguar Tony Pashos as a right tackle starting all 16 games for the Raiders in 2013. Barnes, who at some points in his career has drawn the hate of Raider Nation earned the fan’s respect with steady play even if he is prone to the odd mistake and earned himself a new deal with the team to come back for a sixth season with the team.

From Raiders.com:

"The Oakland Raiders have re-signed G/T Khalif Barnes, General Manager Reggie McKenzie announced Friday.“I’m so excited to be back. I’m going on my sixth year here, and we’ve had some ups and downs but there are some unfinished things we have to do here. I want to be a part of the process that turns this thing around. I believe in Dennis [Allen] and I believe in Reggie [McKenzie]. I am just excited I get the chance to come back and help this team win.”Barnes, entering his 10th NFL season, has played the last five years with the Silver and Black, seeing action in 63 games with 46 starts. A versatile lineman, Barnes started all 16 games in 2013, including 11 contests at left tackle and five at left guard. Barnes started nine games at right tackle in 2012 and all 16 games at the same spot in 2011. He originally signed with the Raiders as an unrestricted free agent in 2009.The 6-foot-6, 321-pounder has played in 123 career games with 103 starts in nine seasons with the Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars. Barnes was originally selected by Jacksonville in the second round (52nd overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft."

Barnes’ signing comes days after the team came to terms with Taiwan Jones to keep him in Oakland through 2017 as Reggie McKenzie seems to be continuing his housekeeping heading into the March 11 free agency period. Expect more Raiders to be locked up in the coming days as free agency deadlines get nearer and nearer.