The New York Jets and free agent linebacker Anthony Barr are expected to sign a deal once NFL free agency officially commences.
On Monday, the New York Jets snatched up the biggest linebacker whale on the NFL open market.
According to several reports, including Ian Rapoport of NFL Network and Adam Schefter of ESPN, former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr is expected to sign with the Jets once free agency officially commences.
Barr, 26, is a four-time Pro Bowler whose quality of play couldn’t be attained in Minnesota mainly due to cap issues. Yes, Kirk Cousins actively plays in the Vikings current cap space number that is a measly $9.9 million.
In 2018, Barr finished with three sacks, eight tackles for loss, one forced fumble, two pass deflections, and 55 total tackles in his fourth-straight Pro Bowl season.
Don’t pay too much attention to the label “pass rusher.” Though he entered the league as an edge out of UCLA, he’s played the SAM (a true second-level linebacker) in Minnesota for five-straight seasons. His pressure percentages are worthy of a second look, but based on pure attempts, the numbers can hardly be quantified (as opposed to the every-down rusher who faces a tougher time).
In a Gregg Williams 4-3, he’s the perfect SAM who can play the second level while also dropping down on the edge in the 4-3 Under look. In the 3-4 scenario, he can play both the edge and inside linebacker.
Barr brings tremendous versatility to the table, something the New York Jets defensive coordinator is seeking.