Anthony Barr can help change the Las Vegas Raiders defense

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 26: Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after intercepting a pass by Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams (not in photo) in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 26, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 26: Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after intercepting a pass by Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams (not in photo) in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 26, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 15: Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings in action during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 15, 2019, in Carson, California. The Vikings defeated the Chargers 39-10. (Photo by Rob Leiter via Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 15: Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings in action during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 15, 2019, in Carson, California. The Vikings defeated the Chargers 39-10. (Photo by Rob Leiter via Getty Images) /

How Anthony Barr fits

For the Raiders, they could use some athleticism in the linebacker room. While Deablo is an incredible athlete, he is also new to the position as he transitions from safety where he played at Virginia Tech. Barr could certainly bring some athletic ability to the group that would compliment Perryman well. His 17.5 career sacks, eight career forced fumbles and 31 career passes defended, show the versatility that his athleticism gives him.

Now, due to injuries and age, his coverage abilities have weakened. However, his abilities as a situational pass rusher may be enough to offset those concerns.

Barr fits the typical mold of a veteran who does not get signed until late in the off-season but ends up becoming a starter for whatever team eventually signs him. He is a reliable veteran who is worthy of a roster spot and would legitimize the Raiders’ defense even more.

Furthermore, since he is available so deep into the off-season, he is highly unlikely to break the bank. After playing his college ball on the west coast at UCLA, the Raiders should see if he would like to continue his career in Las Vegas.