Anthony Barr is leaving the NFC North and Aaron Rodgers is most likely beyond elated. The former Minnesota Vikings linebacker hit the free agency market as quite possibly the best linebacker available on the open market and wasn’t short of suitors for his services. But he made a move not many were expecting. Barr elected to ink a deal with the New York Jets, a team looking to return to prominence.
Following comes from Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Former Vikings’ LB Anthony Barr intends to sign with the NY Jets, per league source. Jets get a pass rusher.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2019
Barr isn’t the last move the Jets will make this offseason but it will quite possibly be the biggest move they make. Barr is a game changer for just about any defense and his time so far in the NFL has proven that.
The 26-year-old UCLA product played his first five seasons in the NFL with the Vikings and saw some success with a team that was in playoff contention just about every year. And with Barr on the squad, the Minnesota defense brought fear to opposing offenses.
Barr has played in at least 12 games each of his first five seasons in the NFL and he’s been named to the Pro Bowl four seasons in a row. Barr recorded 55 tackles, three sacks and four quarterback hits in 13 games in 2018. For his career, he has 13.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles all while averaging 68 tackles per season over five seasons.
