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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LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 27: Wide receiver Robert Woods #17 of the Los Angeles Rams makes a catch in front of linebacker Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings for a touchdown to lead 38-28 in the third quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 27: Wide receiver Robert Woods #17 of the Los Angeles Rams makes a catch in front of linebacker Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings for a touchdown to lead 38-28 in the third quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Causes for Concern

All of the positives surrounding Barr are true, but that begs the question as to why Minnesota would be willing to let him walk if he has that amount of skill and still in the prime years of his career? The argument is that Barr might not be worth the big money he may be due, and if you look at his most recent season, the stats may back that claim.

Barr made a name for himself as a playmaker, but the bulk of his accolades came in his early seasons. Last season his 55 combined tackles were a drop from his 75 the year prior, and he recorded just one forced fumble after notching three a couple seasons back. Per Pro Football Focus, Barr’s defense, run defense, and overall coverage grades rank either above average or average amongst his counterparts.

That drop in PFF grades were likely due to his play last season (overall the Vikings defense played well under expectations). He was known to be a game changer on defense, but the cause for concern here is that can he continue to make the impact he did coming into the NFL?