Minnesota Vikings: 5 players who need to step up in 2020
By Adam Carlson
5. Anthony Barr, linebacker
The Minnesota Vikings made a huge investment when signing Anthony Barr to a 5-year contract worth $67.5 million with $33 million guaranteed. It’s understandable that the team wanted to keep Barr with Eric Kendricks but that’s a lot of dough.
Barr wasn’t as effective in 2019 as he could have been. In 14 games, he registered only 1.5 sacks one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Those numbers are disappointing considering his role on the team and the investment they made in him.
The Vikings need to be confident to use Barr in many ways. Head coach Mike Zimmer should feel comfortable having him rush the passer, drop into coverage, or participate in run support depending on what the situation calls for.
Anthony Barr could be a locker room leader and a major contributor while on the field in 2020. In fact, with the losses on the defensive line and secondary, more pressure than ever will fall on the shoulders of the linebackers, with the spotlight being on Barr.
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Which other Minnesota Vikings players do you think will need to step up during the 2020 NFL season if the team wants to return to the playoffs? And which of these individuals do you believe will actually improve? Let us know in the comments.