After missing out on Trey Flowers and Dante Fowler Jr., the Jets found their pass-rusher in Anthony Barr.
New York plans to sign its newest defensive asset on Wednesday, but for now, the two sides have agreed to terms. Barr will average around $14-15 million annually in his new deal. The Jets plan to use him as more of a blitzer than he was in his off-ball linebacker role with Vikings.
Let’s get to know the Jets newest addition.
Swiss Army Knife in College
Coming out of high school, Anthony Barr was regarded as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com. He was listed as the No. 8 prospect and the No. 5 athlete out of the state of California.
As an athlete at UCLA, Barr played his first two years as a running back, wide receiver and tight end. Prior to his junior season, he transitioned to linebacker.
He exploded on to the scene in his first season at linebacker with 13.5 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss and 83 tackles. His 13.5 sacks were the second-highest total in the nation.
Barr finished his collegiate career with 23.5 sacks, which made him a top-10 pick. With this signing, the Jets are looking to play Barr at his college position.
All in the Family
Anthony Barr is not the only member of his family to make it in the NFL.
Barr’s father, Tony Brooks, was drafted in the fourth round of 1992 NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. He played one season. His uncles, Reggie Brooks and Cedric Figaro, both played in the NFL, too.
Brooks played five pro seasons, but his success came in college. Finishing fifth in the Heisman voting in 1992. Figaro played seven seasons in the NFL as a journeyman linebacker.
Rule Change
The rule change that took the NFL by controversial storm in 2018 was due to a hit that Barr placed on Aaron Rodgers in 2017, which broke Rodgers’ collarbone.
The “Aaron Rodgers Rule,” which penalizes defenders for landing on a quarterback with all or most of their body weight as the passer sets up to throw, was created due to Barr’s hit.
Barr is partly responsible for a change in the league rules. However, the Jets won’t mind those type of hits if Barr is getting after opposing quarterbacks with consistency.
Career Sacks
With the Minnesota Vikings, Barr was the furthest thing from a sack artist.
In five seasons with the Vikings, Barr only recorded 13.5 sacks, which is the same number of sacks he had his junior year of college.
Barr played off-ball linebacker with Minnesota and excelled in coverage. The Jets are hoping they can get the best of both worlds and take advantage of Barr’s versatility. Expect him to increase his sack numbers in Gregg Williams’ aggressive defense.
