Linebacker Anthony Barr won’t be back with the Minnesota Vikings for the 2022 NFL season as most fans of the franchise hoped. Instead, the four-time Pro Bowler is heading to Dallas where he’ll play for the Cowboys on a one-year deal.
The Cowboys confirmed the agreement on their official social media on Wednesday. According to reports, Barr will receive a $2 million salary in 2022 that could go up to $3 million based on incentives.
While it’s hard to see Barr playing a leading role for the Cowboys in the linebacker position, he should provide a well-needed veteran presence if healthy. The 30-year-old player is expected to be the primary cover for star Micah Parsons and starter Leighton Vander Esch, especially after second-year linebacker Jabril Cox had a setback in his return from torn ACL.
Anthony Barr was once considered one of the best linebackers in the league, making four consecutive Pro Bowls between 2015 and 2018 in the Vikings’ uniform. However, injury issues that cost him the majority of 2020 and the start of the 2021 campaign made him expendable in Minnesota. The franchise decided to let him go despite the fact he made 72 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and career-high three interceptions in 11 games last season.
Overall, Barr has 495 tackles, 19.5 sacks, 31 pass deflections, five interceptions, and eight forced fumbles as a pro.
