Free-agent linebacker Shawn Barber's decision to return to Philadelphia was really a no-brainer. His familiarity with the playbook made it a smart signing for both the team and the player.

But the coaching staff has added a new wrinkle -- actually, they're looking at the savvy veteran in a different position. Barber will work as the second-team strongside linebacker when the Steelers visit Lincoln Financial Field on Friday night.

"I look at it as a plus, being able to play more than one position. The more you can do, the better," said Barber, who recorded 119 tackles as the Eagles' starting weakside linebacker in 2002. "To me, whatever is the quickest way for me to get on the field and be able to make some plays, I'll take it."

LB Shawn Barber tracks down Ravens ballcarrier

Part of the reason for the position switch is concern over depth at the position. Chris Gocong is still suffering from a stinger and Greg Richmond had back surgery last week.

Playing the strongside isn't entirely new for Barber, who played both outside linebacker positions during his stint in Kansas City.

"It's not really that big of a shock to me," Barber said. "To me, it's just [different] terminology. There's some different terms that you have to give, different line calls, different stunt calls. As far as the base coverages, it's almost a mirror position.

"If you know one, you should be able to figure out where you belong in the other one."

In addition to his latest role, Barber has spent the summer working as the dime and nickel linebacker, playing special teams, and of course, backing up the weakside linebacker spot.

His speed and athletic ability are an asset in the nickel and dime packages. So too, he says, is his pass coverage.

"It kind of comes naturally to me," Barber said.

The Eagles had all kinds of trouble in coverage last season, but Barber's knowledge of the defense and his quick feet should help.

Re-learning the defense has been a quick process for Barber. Thanks to the stability of the Eagles' coaching staff, He has the same head coach and defensive coordinator -- Andy Reid and Jim Johnson -- as he did when he departed the team.

"It's great being back here with Andy Reid and [Brian] Dawkins, and to play with 'Trot' finally." Barber said. "It's fun to come back, especially with so many of the core players being here from when I was here the first time."

LB Shawn Barber: Jack-of-all-trades

Barber was an important player on the Eagles defense in 2002. Now he's looking to resurrect a career that has been derailed by injuries at times.

Whatever his position, he just wants to make something happen -- in any phase, on any down.

"Being a dime and nickel linebacker, playing special teams, being a second-team SAM, it doesn't matter to me," Barber said. "As long as you have an opportunity to go out there and make plays, that's the most important part of this game."

"You always have to be ready to be thrown out there, be ready to step up and play."

The versatile Barber will do just that Friday night.