Despite an already busy offseason to overhaul their offensive line, the Denver Broncos were not done. Having added guard Ronald Leary and tackle Menelik Watson in free agency, and drafting Garett Bolles with their first pick in the draft, Denver made a trade with Philadelphia on the eve of training camp to add veteran guard Allen Barbre. Ian Rapoport first reported the move.
Rather than cutting veteran G Allen Barbe… the #Eagles are trading him to the #Broncos for a late conditional future pick, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 26, 2017
Barbre has made 36 starts in 76 career games for the Packers, Seahawks and Eagles. He started all 16 games in 2015 with the Eagles and all 12 of the games in which appeared for Philadelphia in 2016.
“Allen Barbre is a pro’s pro,” Eagles executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman said in a statement. “Not only did he help the team with his solid play as a starter at left guard, but his ability to step up and play multiple positions helped us battle through some difficult situations.”
Barbre is expected to compete with third-year player Max Garcia at the left guard position, however he has also spent limited time at both tackle positions. Garcia started all 16 games at left guard in 2016 and five in 2015, appearing in all 16 regular season games and all three postseason games during the Super Bowl 50 run.
Pro Football Focus ranked Barbre 23rd out of 72 eligible guards for his play in 2016.
He missed time because of a hamstring injury last year and was placed on injured reserve in 2014 with an ankle injury.
Barbre is in the final year of his contract and due $1.75 million in non-guaranteed salary. He carries a cap hit of $2.05 million.
Two years ago the Broncos made a similar move, signing veteran free agent guard Evan Mathis, albeit already deep into training camp (Aug. 25). Like Barbre, Mathis had played four seasons with the Eagles before coming to Denver.
