It looks like the Vikings are close to making a major adjustment to Anthony Barr‘s contract. Minnesota and the veteran linebacker are working on a restructured deal that would see Barr reduce his $12.3MM salary for 2021, sources told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
The Vikings will get some immediate cap relief, and in return Barr will enter free agency after this season. Previously Barr’s contract ran through 2023, so he’s about to get the last two years knocked off his pact. There had been some speculation that the team could move on this offseason due to his hefty cap hit, but this move will ensure he’s on the Vikings’ roster come Week 1 while also potentially setting things up for a divorce next offseason.
The ninth overall pick of the 2014 draft has been with Minnesota for all seven of his pro seasons. There’s been plenty of drama along the way, like when Barr agreed to sign with the Jets in March of 2019 before pulling out at the last second and returning to the Vikings. A separation has appeared likely several times, but they always have found a way to make things work.
Barr got a five-year, $67.5MM deal to stay last time. The UCLA product made the Pro Bowl four straight times from 2015-18, but only played in two games this past year due to a torn pec. He’ll turn 29 later this week.
This is the make or break season for Zimmer. The Barr restructure to a one year deal is proof.
They are gonna regret this
Not really. Barr was making far more than a player both at his position and with his productivity has any business making.
I think it’s indirectly tied to that, but the years knocked off are more of a favor to Barr than to the Vikes. Minnesota was likely planning on getting a replacement after this year as is, and now Barr can get a chance to sign another deal before hitting age 32. He had to give up money, so they gave him a chance to get another contract.
As for Minnesota, they now won’t have to worry about an immediate replacement at OLB and fill some holes elsewhere. They, like the Raiders, are a middling team who could be competitive with a few pieces plugged in to the right spots. They only need a couple more wins over last year’s total to compete for a playoff spot, so the few holes they have to fill the better.
Zimmer is on borrowed time right now. He’s had the horses to run the race but he can’t get the job done. His defensive minded leanings are well known although it does seem to take him until at least halftime to be able to make adjustments to whatever the opponents offense is doing and by then it’s too late. It’s been time for a new coach for a couple years now. Blow it up…trade Cook…get some draft picks…trade Cousins and eat some salary…start over.
I was surprised that the team re-upped the HC, GM & Cousins last year.
Maybe this will make it easier to trade him to the Jets !!