5 former Vikings who could return to the team in free agency in 2023

Anthony Barr – OLB

Could Anthony Barr finish his NFL career where it started? He was the first-ever draft pick of the Mike Zimmer era and played at a high level for the Vikings for many seasons. He had a couple of injuries late in his tenure with the team that derailed his final two seasons and led to his release.

Barr was picked up late in the 2022 preseason by the Dallas Cowboys. He went on to start 10 games for the team, racking up 58 total tackles with two tackles for a loss, one sack, and one pass breakup.

Barr wasn’t great, but he wasn’t horrible either. The Vikings need linebacker depth, and in Flores’ defense, Barr could be utilized in various ways. He could play inside and be asked to drop into coverage, or he could be lined up outside on the line and asked to rush the passer.

There’s no doubt Barr has lost a step, but he has always been good in pass coverage. The Vikings definitely missed him in that regard. It is a long shot that he comes back for a final season in Purple, but if he can be had at a bargain rate and the Vikings can’t find anyone else in the draft or free agency, then maybe this actually comes to pass.