Should The Cowboys Sign Anthony Barr?
Free agency is a 365-day process, well at least that’s what Cowboys Executive Vice President/Director of Player Personnel Stephen Jones likes to say. However, the Cowboys have made minimal moves in free agency this year. There are still a few quality free agents that could potentially make an impact for the Cowboys.
In this piece, we will be talking about a certain veteran linebacker. That veteran linebacker is 30-year-old former Minnesota Viking, Anthony Barr. Anthony Barr is currently on the market for a new team and the Cowboys could be that new home for him.
Anthony Barr’s Game
Barr is a former 2014 ninth overall pick out of UCLA, who was looked at as a pass rusher specialist. However, he has developed as a complete linebacker who has the ability to break out into coverage and do a solid job. His bread and butter is shedding blockers to break free and make the tackle. He has the size at 6’5”, 257 lbs, and the range that Coach Dan Quinn likes in his linebacker.
Barrs biggest knock is he has an injury history, but most of the injuries out of his career have been for a couple of games. His worst injury was in 2020 when he tore his pectoral muscle in week two and missed the rest of the season. But if you know the Cowboys, they have a record of finding themselves signing former first-rounders that need a change of scenery. Recent signee, Dante Fowler, is a perfect example who was drafted the year after Barr in 2015. Overall, Barr would make an impact as a veteran linebacker on this young hungry defense as long as he stays healthy.
UNREAL… ANTHONY BARR! 📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/4G4ft6RI4z — Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 7, 2021
Veteran Leadership
The Cowboys have a young linebacker core with Micah Parsons, Jabril Cox, and Leighton Vander Esch. They also drafted two linebackers in this year’s draft LSU’s Damone Clark (fifth round) and Oklahoma State’s Devin Harper. Clark who just had spinal fusion surgery in late March might be placed on injured reserve to fully recover. As for Harper, he may be looking at making an impact on special teams rather than becoming a starter.
This core is in need of a veteran that can make an impact and as a leader, that’s what Barr can be. Rising star Micah Parsons could benefit from having Barr on the other side of him. Both are big, athletic pass-rushing linebackers that could both wreak havoc on opposing offenses.
Reuniting With Coach George Edwards
There’s a quote that says “The most important things in life are the connections you make with others.” We may be looking at how beneficial it is to build connections and why the Cowboys have that interest in Barr. That connection is Senior Defensive Assistant George Edwards who was Barr’s defensive coordinator from his rookie season until 2019.
If anybody knows what type of player Barr is, Coach Edwards would know. He could possibly be one of the coaches that are advocating for Barr to be a Dallas Cowboy. Barr might just be that key piece the Cowboys need to win more games. Barr has the veteran experience and a skill set that cannot be passed up. I think Dallas should pursue Barr quickly and heavily.
Final Verdict: Sign Anthony Barr
Should the Cowboys pursue Anthony Barr this offseason? Comment below and join the discussion!
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