Joe Barksdale is an American football offensive tackle whose National Football League (NFL) career spanned multiple teams and several seasons at the professional level. This profile outlines his draft path, team history, positional role, and current status, emphasizing verifiable details and timeline clarity. Barksdale entered the league after a collegiate career, signed first as an undrafted free agent, and later appeared on active rosters and practice squads. The following breakdown provides a structured summary of his career progression, team tenures, and standing as of the most recent confirmed information.
College Career and Draft Background
Before entering the NFL, Barksdale played college football at Louisiana Tech University, where he served as an offensive tackle within the Bulldogs’ program. His collegiate performance and combine metrics positioned him as a prospect worthy of professional consideration, though he went undrafted in the 2012 NFL Draft. This section summarizes his pre‑NFL development and the initial entry point into professional football.
2012 Draft Status and Signing
- 2012 NFL Draft: Not selected; entered as undrafted free agent (UFA).
- Initial team affiliation: Signed with the St. Louis Rams shortly after the draft on a rookie contract.
St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams Tenure (2012–2014)
Barksdale’s earliest NFL opportunities came with the St. Louis Rams, who converted him from college offensive line experience to professional practice squad and active roster roles. During this period, he gained repetition on special teams and limited offensive snaps while learning NFL scheme tempo.
Rams Roster Timeline
| Year | Team | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | St. Louis Rams | UDFA / Practice Squad | Signed post‑draft; spent time on practice squad. |
| 2013 | St. Louis Rams | Active Roster | Appeared in games; primarily special teams and short offensive rep. |
| 2014 | St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams | Waived / Reserve | Shifted between active and practice roster amid roster moves. |
Jacksonville Jaguars (2014)
Later in the 2014 season, Barksdale joined the Jacksonville Jaguars, adding another chapter to his early professional tenure. His time in Jacksonville provided additional game experience and exposure to a different coaching staff’s offensive line philosophy.
Jaguars Appearance Summary
- Signed off waivers from St. Louis in 2014.
- Served primarily on the practice squad; saw limited active roster opportunities.
Buffalo Bills (2015–2016)
The Buffalo Bills period represents a more sustained stretch in the NFL for Barksdale, where he remained under contract across parts of two seasons. During this window he competed for depth at the tackle position and continued developing within a larger offensive line rotation.
Bills Tenure at a Glance
| Year | Team | Roster Status | Key Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Buffalo Bills | Active / Practice Squad | Depth competition on offensive line; limited game action. |
| 2016 | Buffalo Bills | Active Roster (early season) | Promoted from practice squad mid‑season; appeared in several games. |
New England Patriots (2017)
Barksdale’s final notable NFL stint came with the New England Patriots, where he joined a franchise known for high operational standards and depth at every position. His allocation here was typically oriented toward practice squad duty and situational active roster fill-in roles.
Patriots Notes
- Signed with New England in 2017.
- Spent time on practice squad; recalled briefly to active roster during injury situations.
Current Status and Post‑NFL Path
As of the latest verified information, Joe Barksdale is no longer on an NFL active or practice roster. His professional playing career has transitioned into post‑football pursuits, which may include broadcasting, coaching, or business endeavors, though such activities remain outside the scope of on‑field statistics.
Status Overview
- Last NFL affiliation: Period with the New England Patriots (2017).
- Current activity: Not listed on any NFL roster; actively documented career concluded.
Comparative Timeline Snapshot
The table below consolidates key team and roster milestones for quick reference, emphasizing contract periods and roster classifications rather than speculative narrative.
| Year | Team | Roster Designation | Contract Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | St. Louis Rams | Practice Squad | UDFA |
| 2013 | St. Louis Rams | Active | Reserve/Future |
| 2014 | St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars | Practice Squad / Active | Waivers, UDFA |
| 2015 | Buffalo Bills | Active (late season) | Reserve/Future |
| 2016 | Buffalo Bills | Active (midseason) | Standard contract |
| 2017 | New England Patriots | Practice Squad | UDFA / Practice Squad |
Key Takeaways
- Joe Barksdale reached the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2012 with the St. Louis Rams.
- He accrued experience over several seasons with the Rams, Jaguars, Bills, and Patriots.
- His on‑field role was primarily as a depth tackle, with limited but meaningful special teams and short offensive contributions.
- Verified records indicate his last NFL affiliation was with the New England Patriots in 2017; he is not currently on an active roster.
- For the most accurate, real‑time roster status, consult official NFL roster sources or team announcements.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which NFL team drafted Joe Barksdale?
Joe Barksdale was not drafted; he signed as an undrafted free agent with the St. Louis Rams in 2012.
Did Joe Barksdale play in regular season games?
Yes, he appeared in a limited number of regular season games, primarily across his tenures with the Rams and Bills.
What position did Joe Barksdale play in the NFL?
He played offensive tackle, lining up on the line and responsible for pass protection and run blocking at the professional level.
Is Joe Barksdale currently in the NFL?
No, verified sources show he is not currently on any NFL active or practice roster as of the most recent public records.
Where can I find official stats and rosters for Joe Barksdale?
For authoritative data, refer to the NFL’s official site, Pro‑Football‑Reference, or the active roster pages of each team he joined.