Report: Saints, Anthony Barr Don't Reach Deal, Still Exploring Options

Veteran linebacker Anthony Barr departed from New Orleans without finalizing a contract and will explore his options.

Veteran linebacker Anthony Barr departed from New Orleans without finalizing a contract and plans to explore other potential teams.  NFL Network's Mike Garafalo provided an update on the Saints-Anthony Barr visit. "Free agent LB Anthony Barr had a good visit with the Saints but is departing without a deal, source says. New Orleans remains in play for him, but he has interest from other teams and could make more visits in the near future," Garafolo reported on Twitter.  

According to an earlier report by Diana Russini from ESPN, Barr and New Orleans were reaching an agreement, but the deal is still dependent on the outcome of a physical examination.   

Update: 2:59 PM CT

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The New Orleans Saints are expected to sign linebacker Anthony Barr, pending the results of a physical, first reported by ESPN NFL Insider Diana Russini.

The Saints brought in Barr for a workout on Monday. During the offseason, Saints News Network's reporters John Hendrix and Bob Rose suggested him as a possible addition to New Orleans' backfield.

Barr, 31, played last season with the Dallas Cowboys. He had 58 tackles, including two for loss, a sack, and seven pressures, to accompany two fumble recoveries in 14 games. His signing became an even bigger necessity after New Orleans lost LB Andrew Dowell to a season-ending knee injury last week.

Initially the ninth overall selection in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of UCLA, Barr played his first eight seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. During his time with Minnesota, he had 17.5 sacks, 41 tackles for loss, 15 fumbles forced or recovered, six interceptions, and 31 passes broken up. Barr was voted to four consecutive Pro Bowls from 2015-2018.

Extremely intelligent, Barr is capable of playing any of the linebacker spots. He's a heady player rarely out of position against the run but is also a lean athlete (6'5" and 257 lbs.) able to supply strong pass coverage. Barr averaged 70 tackles per season with the Vikings and missed just 11 games over his first six years before a torn pectoral muscle shelved him for most of 2020.

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) tackles New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41). Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY

Linebacker depth has been a concern for New Orleans this offseason. The Saints have an excellent tandem with Demario Davis and Pete Werner. However, the offseason loss of Kaden Elliss in free agency made this an area of need. Aside from undrafted rookies Anfernee Orji and Nick Anderson, the team could have done more to address the position this offseason. 

D'Marco Jackson, Zack Baun, and Andrew Dowell were figured to be the front runners to replace Elliss. Dowell had a solid start to camp before going down. Jackson, a 2022 fifth-round choice, has also had terrific moments. However, he doesn't have NFL experience after missing his entire rookie year with an injury. Baun, a third-round pick in 2020, has been a poor fit for the defensive scheme and is little more than a special teams contributor. 

Anthony Barr has both the experience and the versatility that the Saints ask of their linebackers. He likely won't take snaps from Davis or Werner and will have to earn playing time over Jackson and perhaps Orji or Anderson. However, Barr's addition should solidify a linebacker position with little experience through the depth chart.