Oakland Raiders: Is Anthony Barr worth a look in free agency?

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 8: Shaun Prater #27 and Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrate a play during the game against the Oakland Raiders on August 8, 2014 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 8: Shaun Prater #27 and Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrate a play during the game against the Oakland Raiders on August 8, 2014 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 16: Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Miami Dolphins is sacked with the ball by Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 16: Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Miami Dolphins is sacked with the ball by Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

What Barr could bring to the Raiders

The Raiders have what could be their best defender at corner with Gareon Conley, a hard-hitting safety with Karl Joseph, and (should) draft their perennial pass rusher in April’s draft. The last glaring void is at linebacker and they need someone who can be a game changer. Anthony Barr has a track record that could fit the bill.

Barr has racked up over 300 combined tackles alongside 13.5 sacks in his five seasons with Minnesota. He has seven forced fumbles to his name in addition to 31 QB hits over five seasons. Barr has a knack for making plays and taking the ball away from the opposing team.

An added luxury is the fact that he’s hitting free agency at the age of 26, and we know that coach Gruden wants to add talent all-around while maintaining a younger, faster roster as opposed to being older and slower. Oakland needs a playmaker at the LB position, and Barr could be up to the task.