One free agent each NFL team should sign in 2019

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 31: Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) gives thumbs up to a fan during a NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears on December 31, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN.The Vikings defeated the Bears 23-10.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Green Bay Packers — Anthony Barr

When Minnesota signed Kirk Cousins, the front office likely knew it was giving up the opportunity to sign at least one if not several young pieces around this Vikings roster. Barr, a converted pass rush specialist at UCLA, developed into an outstanding off-ball linebacker for Mike Zimmer, but may be viewed as an edge player by other teams, thus pushing upward his cost.

At a certain point, a team willing to pay Barr like an edge rusher could price the Vikings out of their comfort zone considering his position in this defense as a true linebacker. The relative value of one vs. the other is enormous.

With Clay Matthews set to be a free agent after 2018, the Packers desperately need help on the edge and Barr could provide that. He’s an ideal fit in Mike Pettine’s scheme where he could play as a rush linebacker or a SAM ‘backer at the line of scrimmage.

The Packers have to take care of some other positions, like that No. 12 guy, but could have more than $24 million in cap space. New GM Brian Gutekunst showed a willingness to spend on big-name free agents, a stark departure from the Ted Thompson era.

If Barr hits the open market, he’d make perfect sense for the Packers.