Raiders sign veteran RB Peyton Barber off Washington's practice squad

The Raiders are signing Peyton Barber off of the Washington Football Team’s practice squad, according to a source who spoke with Ben Standig of The Athletic (on Twitter). Now, the running back will join the 53-man roster in Las Vegas. 

The Raiders previously tried to claim Royce Freeman off waivers but lost out to the Panthers due to waiver priority. Barber’s still a solid consolation prize, considering his past work. Back in 2018, he led the Buccaneers in rushing (871 yards), staving off Ronald Jones in the process.

However, Barber played on just 18% of Washington’s offensive snaps in 2020 and was on the field on 30% of Washington’s special teams plays. The 225-pound running back averaged a career-low 2.7 yards per carry last season, gaining 258 yards on 94 rushing attempts. He missed Washington’s final cut and settled for the practice squad. Now, he’ll have a chance to see the field in Week 1.

Barber will support top RBs Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake while Jalen Richard rehabs his injured foot.