Former Vikings outside linebacker Anthony Barr. (Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports)
The Dallas Cowboys just added veteran ex-Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr to give their defense a boost with training camp underway.
Cowboys fans have good reason to be excited about their linebacker corps this year with Micah Parsons and Leighton Vander Esch leading the way.
Now they have a third player to pin their hopes on: Anthony Barr.
The veteran linebacker finally signed with Dallas on Wednesday after months of speculation around him joining the Cowboys.
Cowboys bolster defense with Anthony Barr signing
Barr has been linked to the Cowboys for a while now. Senior defensive assistant George Edwards was Barr’s defensive coordinator in Minnesota for six years.
A four-time Pro Bowler, Barr brings pass rushing skills at outside linebacker but he’s positionally flexible with veteran know-how.
Barr missed much of the 2020 season because of a pectoral injury but he made a strong return in 2021 with 72 tackles, 2.5 sacks, three interceptions and five pass breakups.
At 30 years old he should have something left in the tank to contribute significantly for the Cowboys this year. He can be a mentor to Parsons while giving Dallas some cover for Vander Esch, who has had trouble staying healthy in his career.
The Cowboys needed the extra depth at linebacker and plugging in one of the top free agents still available is a nice way to address that problem.
Barr will now have plenty of time to get used to his surroundings.
He’ll also get a chance to face his former team this season. Dallas will take on the Vikings in Week 11 in Minnesota.