Kevan Barlow

45-Year-Old Running BackRB
 Free Agent  
2023 Fantasy Outlook
There was no outlook written for Kevan Barlow in 2023. Check out the latest news below for more on his current fantasy value.
$Signed a five-year contract extension with the 49ers in February of 2004. Traded to Jets in August of 2006. Released by Jets in February 2007. Signed with Steelers in May of 2007, agreeing to a one-year deal. Released by the Steelers in August of 2007.
RBFree Agent
October 16, 2007
The Patriots had Barlow in for a workout at Gillette Stadium on Monday, the Boston Globe reports.
ANALYSIS
Barlow's visit could be tied to the status of Sammy Morris, who suffered what is being referred to as a chest injury in Week 6.
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NFL Stats
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Fantasy/Red Zone Stats
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Receiving Alignment Breakdown
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2023 Kevan Barlow Split Stats
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Past Fantasy Outlooks
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
Barlow, released by the Jets in February of 2007, looks to catch on with the Steelers as a third-down back. He'll have to beat out Verron Haynes, who has done well in that capacity for a number of seasons (although missed much of the 2006 season with an injury). Given that Barlow is an adept blocker and receiver -- he caught 101 passes in his final three seasons with San Francisco -- Barlow figures to have a future with the Steelers. Keep in mind the 28-year-old Pittsburgh native has had plenty of trouble staying healthy. He would his most fantasy value if something happened to Willie Parker.
For the second straight season Barlow couldn’t stay healthy, and the window of opportunity for him as the 49ers starting running back may have closed. When he’s 100 percent, Barlow possesses an enviable blend of power and speed, but Barlow never seems to be 100 percent – even when he’s in the lineup he seems to be nursing some injury or other, or is at least playing like he is. Statistically there are still reasons for optimism around Barlow, if you can look past his anemic YPCs (3.4 and 3.3) over the last two years. He’s a fairly dependable red zone threat (he had 10 TDs in ’04-’05 and a 16.9 percent conversion rate on red-zone carries), and he also contributes in the passing game. After his trade to the Jets, Barlow should take over as the team's feature back.
Few analysts had higher hopes for Barlow than us last season, due in large part to his excellent 2003 per-carry averages, his uncanny elusiveness and speed for a 6-1, 238-pound power back and his seemingly unquestioned grip on the starting job. But a hip pointer, bruised ribs, a sprained right MCL, a sprained left shoulder and a concussion all slowed Barlow at times, and playing for the league’s worst team didn’t help. Whenever a running back suffers that many minor injuries, there’s always the question of whether he’s just unlucky or is simply making more of the inevitable dings that every full-time back takes over the course of an NFL season. In other words, perhaps becoming the full-time starter exposed Barlow’s inability to play through pain. Whatever the case, Barlow eventually lost playing time to Maurice Hicks, who outperformed him in games down the stretch, and finished the season with a meager 3.4 yards per carry, the lowest average for any starting running back in the NFL. Barlow did run well on his rare trips inside the five, however, scoring on 6-of-9 attempts (67 percent, tied for first). On the positive side, Barlow claims to have bonded with new running backs coach Bishop Harris, and new coach Mike Nolan said Barlow remains the starter. Nonetheless, if Barlow struggles early on, or has a poor camp, Hicks or third-round draft pick Frank Gore could take his job.
The moment fantasy owners have long dreamed of has finally arrived. Will Barlow be worth the wait? Last year’s audition as a featured back was very promising. During weeks 14 through 16, Barlow had over 150 yards rushing twice and over 150 combined yards the other week. He also piled up five TDs during the stretch. Unfortunately, Dennis Erickson does not use his halfback near the goal line as much as Barlow owners would like. Last year, Barlow and Hearst combined for only 18 attempts inside the opponents’ 10-yard line (Barlow was 3-for-7 scoring). In contrast, the Niners tossed 24 passes in this area, and Jeff Garcia added 11 runs of his own (six for scores). Garcia’s absence this year can be expected to boost Barlow’s rushing TDs, as Tim Rattay is not much of a runner. Overall, the 49ers were 25th last year in converting short-yardage runs, and despite Barlow’s impressive size, he’s been more effective running off-tackle – averaging two yards less on his middle rushes in ’03. He is also most comfortable running out of the I-formation, where he averaged over six yards on 88 carries in ’03. But Erickson’s fondness for three-WR sets gives Barlow almost as many carries as a lone setback (4.3 yards on 78 attempts).
Barlow's combined stats over two seasons resemble what he probably would do if handed the featured role – 270 carries, 1,187 yards, 383 receiving yards, 10 touchdowns. He's got a nice blend of speed and power, and he's got the incentive of being in a contract year. On the flip side, Barlow has offended some veteran teammates with his “use me more” whining over the last year or so, and the 49er coaches feel Barlow has to improve significantly as a blocker if he's going to play on all passing downs. Moreover, Garrison Hearst is still in the mix and will continue to get his share of carries.
More Fantasy News
Kevan Barlow: Released by Steelers
RBFree Agent
August 27, 2007
The Steelers released Barlow on Monday after an unimpressive camp.
ANALYSIS
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RBPittsburgh Steelers
August 11, 2007
Barlow made a couple of nice cuts against the Packers Saturday night, finishing the contest with 25 yards on six carries.
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Kevan Barlow: Injures Right Ankle
RBPittsburgh Steelers
Ankle
May 13, 2007
Barlow injured his right ankle in practice Saturday and sat out the rest of the day, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
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RBPittsburgh Steelers
May 12, 2007
Barlow may fit nicely with the Steelers as a third-down back, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
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RBPittsburgh Steelers
May 10, 2007
The Steelers and Barlow have reached an agreement on a one-year contract, the Beaver County Times reports. Barlow is expected to fly to Pittsburgh Thursday in order to take part in this weekend's minicamp.
ANALYSIS
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