The general consensus seemed to be that former four-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker Anthony Barr had worn a Minnesota Vikings uniform for the last team. All it took was a mere mention at the introductory press conference for head coach Kevin O’Connell to throw those preconceived notions out of the window.
A new era in Minnesota could signal a new opportunity for the 29-year-year star defensive player to shine once more.
During the press conference, O’Connell confirmed the defense would be shifting to more of 3-4 base, and he mentioned Barr, along with Eric Kendricks and Harrison Smith, as one of the key difference-makers he likes on that side of the ball.
“With linebackers Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr, those guys have long been huge issues for people in this league defensively,” said O’Connell. “I think there’s ways to use those guys and allow them to play with an attacking mindset, while they’re still responsible for the things they’re responsible for defensively. And then I think we’ve got players both internal and on the edges defensive line-wise that can impact the quarterback.
“But when it all works together, when that coverage can make it cloudy for the quarterback and that rush is one more step closer to getting home, and those backers are doing everything they can to force negative runs on early downs and finish plays in the pass game, it can be a beautiful thing.”
It can be even more beautiful when you have a linebacker with Barr’s skill set to help create that “cloudy” picture for opposing quarterbacks. Or rather, that player capable of turning the pocket into a tap-dancing show with quarterbacks sensing impending doom from pressure on every drop-back pass.
Vikings defensive coordinator Ed Donatell has a deep knowledge of the 3-4 concepts, and he has served many years working under former Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio. So in a sense, the Vikings are finally installing a defense that brings out the best in Barr’s talent.
It almost seemed like a foregone conclusion that Barr would be moving on next season, but given the comments made by O’Connell, there’s at least the possibility that a conversation has either happened or will happen behind closed doors.
The mere fact that O’Connell specifically named Barr in a public forum is proof that he’s at least envisioned the defense with him in it. So this likely isn’t a case of the Vikings just looking to move in a different direction.
But if no deal comes to fruition, Barr is expected to become an unrestricted free agent on March 16, when the new league year begins.
The Vikings have some big decisions and moves to make, per Over The Cap, and not a lot of salary cap room to do it.
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