The Minnesota Vikings announced that they have decided to exercise their fifth-year option on the linebacker, extending his contract until 2019.
It is very clear how strongly the Minnesota Vikings believe in fourth-year linebacker Anthony Barr. The Vikings reported on Monday they are picking up their fifth-year option on Barr.
We have exercised the 5th-year option on @AnthonyBarr.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) May 1, 2017
📰: https://t.co/26sTBFu3VY pic.twitter.com/9B8kOoUgBi
This option keeps him a member of the Vikings through the 2018 season. This news comes the same day the Vikings reportedly told Teddy Bridgewater they will not be picking up his fifth-year option.
Anthony Barr is an integral piece of the Vikings’ defense. During his career as a Viking, he has made life very difficult for opposing offenses. Because of his efforts, the Vikings’ defense is ranked very high and Barr is regarded as a top outside linebacker in the NFL.
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It didn’t take Barr long to contribute in the NFL. He started making plays for the Vikings defense during his rookie year in 2014.
That season he accumulated 55 tackles and four sacks. In addition that he recovered three fumbles and returned one of them for a touchdown.
Since his rookie campaign, Barr has been consistent with his play on the field. His stats may not blow you out of the water because he forces teams to work around his disruptive style of play. Below is an example showing why teams run plays away from Anthony Barr.
Hit of the Night: Anthony Barr knocked Larry Donnell into next week https://t.co/oIaAeYCOWD
— Kenny Smoov (@kennysmoov) October 4, 2016
In three seasons, Barr has compiled 146 tackles, 9.5 sacks, four fumble recoveries, 14 pass deflections, and one interception. Because of his excellent career, he appeared in pro bowls in 2015 and 2016. He is a perfect fit for Zimmer’s defensive scheme and a player that the Vikings can always count on.
Next: Vikings will not pick up Bridgewater’s fifth-year contract option
Last season, the Vikings’ defense held their opponents to 314.9 yards per game. That was the NFL’s third best. Barr looks to come back even stronger in 2017 as the Vikings’ defense prepares to get back to their dominating style of play they showed early last season.