Barnes' signing illustrates the Raiders have learned from their quick-strike mistakes of a the previous year in the opening days of free agency when safety Gibril Wilson and Javon Walker were given huge contracts, as was trade acquisition DeAngelo Hall.

Barnes, by contrast, arrived for a single year at $1.2 million after negotiations between the two sides had broken off the previous week.

In his fourth season with Jacksonville, Barnes, 26, struggled with false start penalties and in giving up sacks. He missed a start due to a disciplinary benching and had legal issues stemming from driving under the influence and driving on a suspended license earlier in his career.

With that as a backdrop, Barnes found it difficult to obtain the multi-year contract he desired and was sold on the idea of first rejuvenating his career under coach Tom Cable, a line coach who coveted him based on the recommendation of Keith Gilbertson.

Gilbertson coached Barnes at Washington and is a longtime friend of Cable.

A pitch by Al Davis closed the deal.

"This is a great opportunity and place for me to start fresh," Barnes told ESPN. "I'm excited to be part of helping this franchise get back on top and I will have a shot to be the starter at left tackle and that's all I can ask for.

"I have a lot to prove and I'm betting on myself by agreeing to a one-year contract. Mr. Davis has a track record of taking care of his own guys, and he promised me the same if I take care of my business on and off the field."

Barnes was the second free agent to sign from another team, as Erik Pears, also a tackle, came aboard after he was not tendered by the Denver Broncos. Pears was injured last season but a starter in 2007.

The Raiders starters at the close of 2008 were Mario Henderson at left tackle and Cornell Green at right tackle.

Kwame Harris, who was signed much as Barnes was last offseason with hopes of resurrecting his career, struggled all season before losing his starting job and was released before a $6 million roster bonus was due.