Cowboys May Pivot To 4-Time Pro Bowler After Missing On Shaq Leonard

The Dallas Cowboys are in search of a linebacker after missing out on Shaq Leonard, and according to former Cowboys scout Bryan Broaddus, they are now turning their attention to Anthony Barr.

Barr is currently on the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad, so the process of signing him would be somewhat complicated for Dallas.

Barr has appeared in two games this season, logging one tackle and a fumble recovery.

The 31-year-old, who played his collegiate football at UCLA, was originally selected by the Vikings with the ninth overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft.

He played in 12 games during his rookie campaign and registered 70 tackles, four sacks, an interception, a couple of forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, three passes defended and a defensive touchdown.

Barr then went on to make four straight Pro Bowl appearances between 2015 and 2018, with his best year during that span coming in 2016 when he posted 68 tackles, 3.5 sacks, a pick, three forced fumbles and seven passes defended.

The South Bend, In. native spent the first eight seasons of his career in Minnesota before joining the Cowboys for one year in 2022. That year, he played in 14 games and finished with 58 tackles, a sack and two fumble recoveries. Barr then re-joined the Vikings last month, signing with the practice squad.

Barr is familiar with Dallas’ defensive system, so bringing him aboard would certainly make sense for a Cowboys club that could absolutely use some assistance at linebacker.

Dallas preferred Leonard, who was recently waived by the Indianapolis Colts. However, Leonard may have viewed a bigger opportunity with the Philadelphia Eagles and proceeded to sign with the Cowboys’ NFC East division rivals.

Dallas is 9-3 on the season and has won four straight games. It will take on the Eagles next Sunday.