Anthony Barr leaving Minnesota, heading to the New York Jets

After five seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, the young linebacker has decided to head to the east coast and play for the New York Jets in 2019.

Two seasons into Anthony Barr’s tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, many thought he was on his way to becoming one of the best linebackers in the NFL. Unfortunately, Barr’s play never really evolved to a higher level after his second year with the Vikings.

Following this past season in Minnesota, the 26-year-old linebacker was scheduled to become a free agent. Some believed that there was a chance that Barr could return to the Vikings in 2019, but that doesn’t appear to be what is going to happen.

On Monday, it was revealed that the linebacker has decided to sign a contract with the New York Jets according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The terms of the deal were not included in the announcement, but Barr is estimated to receive a deal that pays him at least $13 million per season.

The Jets are also reportedly hoping to utilize more of the linebacker’s pass-rushing skills in their defense. Something that was never really an element of Barr’s game during his time with Minnesota.

With him signing with New York, should the Vikings be panicking about finding a replacement for 2019? Probably not.

Minnesota’s defense performed pretty well during Barr’s three-game absence last season, giving up an average of just 16.3 points and 262.3 yards per matchup.

With his departure though, drafting a linebacker in the first round this year just vaulted to being a big possibility for the Vikings. Luckily for Minnesota, the 2019 draft class is full of very talented linebackers.