Cowboys need to rush to sign Anthony Barr before losing him to NFC East rival

The Dallas Cowboys reportedly have some competition for former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr.

The Dallas Cowboys have had some high-profile departures this offseason, specifically wide receiver Amari Cooper, right tackle La’el Collins, and edge rusher Randy Gregory. That is mostly due to the team’s cap crunch. But throughout the offseason, they have been linked to a multi-time Pro Bowl linebacker in Anthony Barr. Yet, they have competition.

According to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson, the Cowboys are interested in Barr, but the Washington Commanders have “kicked the tires” on potentially signing the former Minnesota Vikings linebacker.

Cowboys have competition for Anthony Barr in rival Commanders

Losing a free agent to another team is one thing. But losing a player who you were interested in to a division rival? That has to raise the urgency of the Cowboys front office, no?

The Commanders made it to the playoffs two years ago thanks in part to a defense that helped carry the team into an NFC East title. That team allowed an average of 304.6 yards of total offense per game, the second-lowest in the entire league behind the Los Angeles Rams.

But in 2021, the Commanders defense underperformed as compared to the year prior, surrendering an average of 359.3 yards of total offense (11th-highest in NFL).

While Barr has been injury prone in recent years, he has the name-value that could help either team if he were to stay healthy. In his career, Barr recorded 495 total tackles, 44 quarterback hits, 31 defended passes, 17.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries, and five interceptions.

The Cowboys have missed out on free agent linebackers this offseason, most notably Bobby Wagner and Von Miller. They can not afford to miss out on another top linebacker, especially to a division rival.