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Should the Detroit Lions trade for Anthony Barr?

By Forrester Solmen

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 25: Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates a third quarter sack while playing the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 25, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. Minnesota won the game 28-19. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 25: Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates a third quarter sack while playing the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 25, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. Minnesota won the game 28-19. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Lions aren’t the only team in the division battling long-term contract decisions. Would Vikings’ linebacker Anthony Barr be a good fit?

The reigning NFC North champion Minnesota Vikings have a dilemma on their hands. Linebacker Anthony Barr is waiting to see what his future holds. Maybe his best days are better off spent with the Detroit Lions.

Since entering the league in 2014, the Pro Bowler has made himself one of the best all-around defenders. Whatever is asked of him, Barr does it. And he does it well. The 26-year old’s future looks murky with his current squad.

Detroit has their own All-Star defender who’s awaiting his fate. Ziggy Ansah is getting similar treatment from the Lions’ brass. Both Ansah and Barr are locked in on one-year deals. Both look like they’re gone after this season.

No offense to Ansah, but Barr is a better long-term option. He’s younger, more versatile and would cost less because his position is not specified as a pass rusher.

The fifth-year linebacker could easily succeed as an edge player, where he averaged double digit sacks his last two seasons in college. Getting him back to rushing the quarterback more often would increase his value and needs to happen.

Trading for Barr is far-fetched for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s the Vikings and it’s very unlikely teams trade in the division. Lastly, what could the Lions give up without forfeiting too much?

Detroit is already without a 2019 third round pick so giving up a second or first round pick is steep. Personnel wise, there aren’t many tradeable assets. Financially, it would require some finessing to bring along the $12 million+ dollar cap hit.

By no means am I saying it’s a totally realistic scenario. It would help this roster a great deal. I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss the idea either.

Based on his numbers, Barr hasn’t blown up the stat sheet. This means the cost to get him may not be too outlandish.

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It’s more likely the Detroit Lions have to wait til free agency of 2019 to snag Anthony Barr, if he doesn’t get the extension. A combination of the right player(s) and right draft pick(s) could make the trade happen.

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