Minnesota Vikings sign Anthony Barr: Grade, reaction and more
The New York Jets thought they had signed Anthony Barr after agreeing to terms on Monday, but the star linebacker reversed course and stayed with the Minnesota Vikings.
The Jets entered the offseason with about $100 million in salary cap space, and they have put it to good use. After signing receivers Jamison Crowder and Josh Bellamy early in the day, the Jets made another huge splash by luring Barr away from the Minnesota Vikings. Then, chaos ensured on Tuesday.
After agreeing to a deal with New York on Monday, Barr doubled back and has decided to return to the Minnesota Vikings. The move was stunning, but gives the Vikings a huge piece moving into 2019.
Barr, who will turn 27 on March 18, recorded 70 tackles and a sack for the Vikings in 2018. The Vikings used Barr as an off-ball linebacker in their 4-3 scheme, and now will stay here instead of going into New York’s 3-4 scheme. This move will allow Barr to return to more of the edge rusher type role he played for UCLA in college, a frightening prospect for opposing offenses.
Contract Details
Details have yet to emerge on Barr’s contract.
National Reaction
Plot twist! LB Anthony Barr has decided to agree to terms to remain with the #Vikings, sources say. He will not be a member of the #Jets after all.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 12, 2019
After telling the Jets he intended to sign with them, Anthony Barr got cold feet, changed his mind and informed the Vikings that he will be returning to Minnesota, as @MikeGarafolo reported.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2019
After mulling this since yesterday, Anthony Barr called the #Jets to say he's out, then called the #Vikings to say he's in. Sources say there's still work to do on Barr's contract in Minnesota, but this is expected to happen. Stability for Barr and Mike Zimmer's D.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 12, 2019
Minnesota Vikings. ANTHONY BARR. A. . OLB
This is huge for the Vikings. Minnesota has already moved on from safety Andrew Sendejo and then lost defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson to free agency, with the Cleveland Browns signed him to a three-year, $36 million deal.
Barr is a three-time Pro Bowler and at 26 years old, gives Minnesota a cornerstone to continue building around.