Cowboys bolster linebacker corps with former Vikings LB Anthony Barr

For months, several reporters and analysts have suggested that former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr would be a good fit for the Dallas Cowboys. But, as time passed, it seemed like the window of opportunity was gone.

On Wednesday, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo shocked many when he tweeted that the Cowboys would be signing the veteran linebacker. According to Ian Rapoport, Barr was choosing between Denver and Dallas and ultimately ended up with the Cowboys.

With Leighton Vander Esch not being the player he was as a rookie and the unknowns surrounding Jabril Cox’s return after a major injury, Micah Parsons seemed to be the only sure-fire thing about this linebacker corps. That’s why many outlets suggested the Cowboys look at the former Viking long before training camp began.

Speaking of Parsons, Barr is also known for his versatility. The former first-round pick out of UCLA was an edge rusher in college who transitioned to an off-ball linebacker in Mike Zimmer’s defensive scheme.

His first five years with the Vikings were incredibly strong. He made four-straight Pro Bowls from 2015-2018. Those Pro Bowl nods go along with17.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, and almost 500 tackles in his eight-year career.

Dallas Cowboys sign free agent linebacker Anthony Barr to a one-year deal

So, why was he still around? The 30-year-old’s recent injury history is what likely led Minnesota to move on and what also kept him from signing for this long. In 2020, Barr missed 14 games with a torn pec muscle. He missed an additional six games in 2021 as well.

At the end of the day, the veteran will bring a wealth of experience to this linebacker corps. He also is someone that Dan Quinn can deploy as an edge rusher when needed to help make up for the absence of Randy Gregory.

According to Michael Gehlken, the contract is a one-year deal with a base value of $2 million. Barr can get up to $3 million with incentives. Gehlken also reported that other teams offered Barr more, but he came to Dallas to work with George Edwards and Dan Quinn.

The potential is absolutely there and with several injuries plaguing this roster, this is finally a smart addition by the front office. Maybe they’ll decide to add some veteran help to the wide receiver room, too.