Should the Vikings trade Anthony Barr?
I like this idea more than the Diggs idea. The article doesn't mention it, but I find it interesting that the Vikings have visited with several half 34 LB, half 43 DE types. Anthony Barr types.
Instead of extending the young linebacker in the near future, the Minnesota Vikings should consider finding a trade partner for him.After extending Eric Kendricks on Monday, the Minnesota Vikings now have decisions to make on four remaining key players going into contract years in 2018 (Stefon Diggs, Anthony Barr, Danielle Hunter, and Trae Waynes).
Of course with the Kirk Cousins signing too, it’s likely impossible to be able to retain the services of all four players after next season.
Either before or during the upcoming draft for additional 2018 draft picks or before the trade deadline for additional 2019 draft picks.
The Vikings are expected to be title contenders heading into 2018 and rightfully so. With that said, it is only responsible to keep at least one eye open while looking toward the future of the franchise.
Looking at the New England model for reference, Bill Belichick may be the best ever at not just winning, but also consistently having title contending teams for the last decade and a half.
Yes, he’s had the fortune of having arguably the greatest quarterback of all-time. But what should not be overlooked are the constant trades of expensive players within the supporting cast in exchange for productive younger players and/or draft picks (all of which are cheaper) to keep the Patriots’ engine going for the long haul.
Wash rinse and repeat.
Take linebacker Jamie Collins for example. Collins, in the middle of the final year of his rookie contract in 2016, and coming off of a Pro Bowl season, was traded away by New England to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a third-round pick.
Knowing that Collins would command serious money in free agency that they had no interest in gauging, the Patriots acquired a valuable asset instead of letting him walk for nothing.
And while New England lost a Pro Bowl linebacker, they still ended up winning the Super Bowl that year anyway.
Rick Spielman and the Vikings should take a page from the Patriots’ book and trade Anthony Barr, assuming the price is right that is.
Take away the name and think of the game. Say you have the choice to retain three of the four notable pending free-agents, all of which will require significant money long term.
Here are your choices:
- A top 10 wide receiver with premier route running ability, lightening speed and also happened to be number one in the NFL in contested catch percentage last season. Not to mention, in a league where typically the quarterback makes the receiver, this player has a resumé of putting up incredible numbers despite whoever is throwing him the ball.
- A number two corner who has shown consistent progress and holds his own for a position that is one of the most difficult to replace.
- A monstrous defensive end that is just tapping into his prime.
- An outside linebacker who has Von Miller potential, but has had consistent question marks on his effort levels following his rookie season. Not just from the fans, not just from the head coach, but also from the man himself. In fact, too often you have to remind yourself that he’s actually on the field.
https://thevikingage.com/2018/04/20/minnesota-vikings-should-consider-trading-barr/
“A gentleman is someone who can play the accordion, but doesn't." - Tom Waits
I think that Barr has a pretty unique skillset and is a key part of what makes Zimmer's defense work. I agree that I wish he was more effective as a pass rusher, but it's hard to find 6'5 linebackers who can line up over the A gap, blitz, drop back into coverage, and break up plays on the edge. We've tried developing late round guys with similar tools and none of them have panned out, so I'd be careful about moving on from him, unless the front office really thinks they can find an adequate replacement. His chemistry with Kendricks is a really nice bonus too.
@"Tyr" said: I think that Barr has a pretty unique skillset and is a key part of what makes Zimmer's defense work. I agree that I wish he was more effective as a pass rusher, but it's hard to find 6'5 linebackers who can line up over the A gap, blitz, drop back into coverage, and break up plays on the edge. We've tried developing late round guys with similar tools and none of them have panned out, so I'd be careful about moving on from him, unless the front office really thinks they can find an adequate replacement. His chemistry with Kendricks is a really nice bonus too.Amen...
Some interesting takes in this thread, I just have a feeling Barr's best years are still ahead of him. I'm with Wetlander -- I think the Vikings have a plan and intent to keep the Big 4 (now Big, remaining 3).
i think more than other sports, football depends on chemistry. its very risky to trade, draft, cut or whatever players and expect to plug in a bunch of players like they they are just part of a big fantasy game. these guys have trained together, played together, come up just a little short together, they know each other and by all reports like each other. idmthink twice about wholesale changes.
I’d also love to here Pops on this issue. Pops, if you’re out there— what do you think about a Barr trade?
@"Norseman" said: I doubt anybody will give us much for Barr without him first agreeing to an extension with the new team. If he refuses to sign a reasonable extension with us, I can't really see him doing the same with a suitor. Possible exception would be if one of the teams with a lot of cap space are willing to overpay him, plus pay us a second or third round pick. San Francisco might be a player, due to their recent character challenges. A plug in replacement like Barr, who is also young and high character, might be very appealing to them. They have two picks near the top of round three, so you never know.i think you make great sense here. i could see this with SF need and Barr is from Cali i think. 2 issues though. First, the draft is shaping up to have edmunds sitting there at their pick. Second, my view of Barrs weakness is that he doesnt play the way John Lynch played. That dude would straight blow a guy up. i dont know what d they run in SFO, but i think Barr would be best suited as an edge rushing in a 3-4
I have been thinking for a number of days the Vikes would trade Barr for a second. Here is the one question that needs to be answered -- will Barr continue to improve (or maintain a high level of performance) once he gets paid? Does he love the game. I think there is a real question (or two) there that must be answered. I would lean towards trading him if i could get a second; trade would need to go down right about when the Vikes pick in the first round.
Do we have his replacement--no----keep him and build for the future. Or we could keep rolling the dice and hoping the next one will be an instant probowler;)
@"VikingOracle" said: I have been thinking for a number of days the Vikes would trade Barr for a second. Here is the one question that needs to be answered -- will Barr continue to improve (or maintain a high level of performance) once he gets paid? Does he love the game. I think there is a real question (or two) there that must be answered. I would lean towards trading him if i could get a second; trade would need to go down right about when the Vikes pick in the first round.I'm surprised how frequently fans comment on players' internal motivations, attitudes, how they get along with teammates (or not), whether they are leaders, whether they love the game. etc. These have been key discussion items around Ponder, Bridgewater, Bradford, Keenum, Cordarelle Patterson, Mike Wallace, Matt Kalil, many others, now Anthony Barr. Isn't it presumptious to think any of us know the character, motivation, and relationships of others based on what amounts to seeing them for a matter of minutes each week, on television? Usually, if a player acts like he's at his first keg party after a big play, fans think he loves the game, has great heart, fires up his teammates, etc...but if he dares to give the appearance he's THINKING about something during a game, that boy just might not love football enough! Show me a quote from a coach or a teammate of Barr's saying he doesn't love football. I have never heard one. What I have heard, is that he plays a complex role in Zimmer's defense and his contributions are not likely to show up in traditional stats. He had an off year in 2016 - when he was injured and the entire team was playing inconsistently.
Edit Post (mod action — author will see a notice)
Warn Poster
Suspend User (3 days)
The user will be suspended for 3 days and will receive an email with the reason and information about how to appeal.