4 biggest takeaways from the Vikings Week 5 loss to the Seahawks
By Adam Patrick
Wilson is pushing Barr out the door
Two years ago, it appeared as though Anthony Barr’s tenure with the Vikings had come to an end. Barr became a free agent and most assumed that his price tag was going to be too large for Minnesota to re-sign him.
But then the Vikings did some salary cap shuffling, Barr had night terrors about potentially playing for a franchise like the New York Jets, and the linebacker ended up agreeing to a new five-year, $67.5 million contract to remain in purple.
Unfortunately, Barr went down with a season-ending injury in Week 2 and Minnesota has been forced to play without him during their last three games. But his absence has also allowed the Vikings to get a good look at Eric Wilson as one of their top two linebackers.
Wilson has performed very well since he took over the majority of Barr’s duties in Week 3. During Minnesota’s last three games, Wilson has accumulated a total of 11 tackles (three for a loss), four quarterback hits, two sacks, one interception, and one pass breakup.
The Vikings defense has been making strides in the right direction during the last few weeks and it’s all been done without the help of Barr. With Barr scheduled to have a cap hit of $15.5 million next year, parting ways with their former first-round draft pick in 2021 is something that is turning into more of a legitimate possibility for Minnesota.