Details of Barr’s new contract showcases the Vikings’ cap wizardry
By Adam Patrick
The financial details of the linebacker’s new deal with the Minnesota Vikings were reported on Wednesday and it sets the team up nicely for 2019.
After the Minnesota Vikings gave extensions to Danielle Hunter, Eric Kendricks, and Stefon Diggs last year, many figured that Anthony Barr was the next in line to get his contract extended by the team. But that never happened and Barr played the entire 2018 season on the last year of his rookie deal.
Due to the Vikings and the linebacker never working out an extension during the last offseason, some figured this was a sign of the two parties splitting apart. However, Barr has opted to re-sign with Minnesota and he will now be under contract with the team through 2023.
According to multiple reports, the linebacker’s new deal with the Vikings is for five years and worth up to $67.5 million ($77.5 million with incentives). Barr’s average salary per season is now the sixth-highest of any player on Minnesota’s current roster.
Below are the details of his new contract according to the Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling.
Cap Hits
- 2019: $5.6 million
- 2020: $12.7 million
- 2021: $15.5 million
- 2022: $15.6 million
- 2023: $18.1 million
Signing Bonus: $13 million
Fully Guaranteed Money: $15.9 million
Total Guaranteed Money: $33 million
The Vikings’ front office has shown in the past that they are masters of the salary cap and they proved it once again with this deal. Including his signing bonus, Barr will actually make more money in 2019 ($16 million) than in any other year of his new contract.
His super low cap hit for next season allows Minnesota to have a little more flexibility this year and probably paves the way to the team keeping defensive end Everson Griffen around if he agrees to restructure his current deal.
Barr was reportedly going to earn at least $15 million per year if he signed with the New York Jets. Now back with the Vikings, he will only earn that amount in two of the five seasons that he will be under contract.
Must Read. 4 teams who could trade for Trae Waynes in 2019. light
Returning to Minnesota was clearly more important for Barr than getting a max payday with the Jets. The Vikings have themselves to thank for this due to them building a great culture within their organization and this is proving to be one of the most valuable assets they possess.