EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The St. Louis Rams are bringing back one of their own offensive linemen, though it's not the one many were hoping would be re-signing this week.

As the Rams continue to monitor and work on retaining tackle Joe Barksdale, they struck a one-year deal with center Tim Barnes on Monday night. Barnes is expected to officially re-sign with the Rams on Tuesday.

In keeping Barnes, the Rams again don't solve the glaring need for a starter but they at least bring back some solid depth on the interior. Barnes is also someone who could challenge for the starting job in the middle against Barrett Jones and/or Demetrius Rhaney if the Rams don't add another center via the draft or free agency.

Unlike Jones and Rhaney, Barnes at least comes with some meaningful game experience. With then starter Scott Wells injured, Barnes started four games at the end of the 2013 season. He was mostly solid in those appearances though struggled with bigger, more physical defenses in Arizona and Seattle.

Barnes entered this offseason as a restricted free agent after spending the past three seasons with the Rams. The team declined to give him a tender offer in hopes that they could bring him back below the minimum tender. It appears that will be the case though the exact terms of the deal are not yet available.

The Kansas City Chiefs also showed interest in Barnes before he made the decision to agree to terms with the Rams.