Why the Philadelphia Eagles Should Consider Signing Anthony Barr

The Philadelphia Eagles are off to a strong start this season with a 2-0 record. However, the team is facing a series of injuries, particularly on the defensive end. In light of these challenges, Bleacher Report has identified a move that could benefit the Eagles – signing Anthony Barr, a four-time Pro Bowl linebacker.

Anthony Barr is best known for his eight seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. In 2019, he signed a lucrative five-year, $67.5 million contract with the team. However, Barr and the Vikings later agreed to a restructured deal in 2021, reducing his salary to $8.6 million.

Bleacher Report highlights the Eagles’ need for depth at the linebacker position. With Haason Reddick and Nolan Smith primarily playing as edge rushers, the team currently has only three off-ball linebackers on their roster. This is where Anthony Barr comes in – he would provide an insurance policy for the team and bring valuable experience to the linebacker position. Although he may not be the Pro Bowler he once was, Barr demonstrated his capabilities with 58 total tackles in 14 games for the Dallas Cowboys last season.

Anthony Barr’s Recent Performance and Potential Contribution

One question the Eagles front office needs to address is whether Anthony Barr can still contribute effectively to the team. After his tenure with the Vikings, Barr played for the Dallas Cowboys, appearing in 14 games and starting 10 in the 2022 season.

Pro Football Focus gave Barr a grade of 59.7 for his performance, which may not be outstanding but still indicates his ability to make an impact. While Barr’s days as a Pro Bowler may be behind him, his experience and skills could be valuable assets for the Eagles as they navigate the absence of injured linebacker Nakobe Dean.

The Cowboys signed Barr to a one-year, $2 million contract last season, suggesting that the Eagles could potentially acquire him for an affordable deal considering his resume.

Previous Signing and Release of Rashaan Evans

Prior to exploring the possibility of signing Anthony Barr, the Eagles had signed former Alabama standout Rashaan Evans. Evans has an impressive track record, starting in 67 games throughout his NFL career, including all 17 games for the Atlanta Falcons in 2022.

However, the Eagles released Evans shortly after signing him due to his request. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Evans had options from other teams, which led to his departure from the Eagles’ practice squad. This turn of events further emphasizes the Eagles’ need for reinforcement at the linebacker position.

Anthony Barr’s Offseason Journey

During the offseason, Anthony Barr was linked to potential signings with the New Orleans Saints and the New York Giants. However, a deal with the Saints did not materialize, prompting Barr to explore other options.

The Giants also showed interest in Barr initially but ultimately decided to pursue younger linebackers instead. This further highlights the opportunity for the Eagles to consider Barr’s services, given the lack of linebacking depth on their roster.

In conclusion, the Philadelphia Eagles should seriously consider signing Anthony Barr to bolster their linebacker corps. While Barr may not be in his peak Pro Bowl form, his experience, skills, and previous accomplishments make him a valuable addition to the team. With the Eagles already facing injuries on defense, adding Barr would provide much-needed depth and insurance. Given Barr’s reasonable contract history, the Eagles have an opportunity to secure the veteran linebacker at an affordable price.