Former Vikings Pro Bowler reportedly joining hated rival

After passing a physical on Monday, former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr will reportedly sign a deal with the New Orleans Saints.

Following a season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2022, former Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl linebacker Anthony Barr will reportedly sign a contract to play for the New Orleans Saints during the upcoming 2023 season, according to ESPN's Diana Russini on Tuesday.

Barr met with the Saints on Monday, and during his visit, he reportedly passed a physical, according to Russini.

The 31-year-old linebacker spent the first eight seasons of his NFL career as a member of the Vikings before signing with the Cowboys in 2022. Now entering his 10th year in the league, Barr will attempt to make an impact for one of Minnesota's most hated non-divisional rivals.

Anthony Barr the latest former Minnesota Vikings player to join the New Orleans Saints

Barr certainly isn't the first notable former Vikings player to cross enemy lines and join the Saints. Some of the most successful players in Minnesota's history have unfortunately suited up in an ugly New Orleans gold and black jersey, including Adrian Peterson, Kevin Williams, Jake Reed, Carl Lee, and Tommy Krammer.

With the Saints, it doesn't sound like Barr was brought in to be a starter for the upcoming season. But New Orleans clearly felt they needed to upgrade their linebacker depth this year, so they're hoping the former Vikings defender can improve the talent level of the guys on the roster behind Demario Davis and Pete Werner.

With Dallas in 2022, Barr appeared in 14 games (starting in 10), and he accumulated a total of 58 tackles (two for a loss), seven pressures, two fumble recoveries, and one sack.

In 2023, is he likely going to return to playing at the level that resulted in him earning a trip to the Pro Bowl in four of his first five seasons with Minnesota? Probably not, but the Saints are hoping to squeeze out whatever juice Barr has left in his tank.

Update

According to NFL Media's Mike Garafolo, Barr actually left New Orleans without a deal, and he could end up signing with another team for the 2023 season.