Four-time Pro Bowler Anthony Barr remains unsigned in August. But the veteran former first-round pick will visit an NFC South Division contender, who could benefit from his services. According to ESPN reporter Dianna Russini, the New Orleans Saints will host Barr for a visit on Monday.
“The Saints are not only working out running back Kareem Hunt, they are also working out linebacker Anthony Barr today,” Russini said on Monday. Barr and veteran running back Kareem Hunt are each on visits to the Saints on Monday.
The Saints are not only working out running back Kareem Hunt, they are also working out linebacker Anthony Barr today, per source.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) August 7, 2023
Drafted out of UCLA, Barr began his career with the Minnesota Vikings. He played for the Vikings from 2014-21, racking up 98 career games in Minnesota. Fans named him to the Pro Bowl four times from 2015-18. With the Vikes, Barr compiled 495 total tackles, 17.5 career sacks, five interceptions, 31 passes defended, eight forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries, and one touchdown.
In 2022, Barr suited up for the Dallas Cowboys. The former UCLA star played in 10 games with the Cowboys and amassed 58 total tackles, 1.0 sack, and a pass defended.
New Orleans hopes to contend again this season after a down year in 2023. The NFC South is ripe for the taking, as no team really made significant moves to get that much better than the other. The Saints acquired Derek Carr in the offseason, but the jury still appears out on the veteran quarterback. That said, the Saints still figure to be the favorite to win the division as of now. If they sign Barr, New Orleans will add some defensive depth. Led by stars Cameron Jordan and Tyrann Mathieu, the Saints boast a quality defense. Adding a player like Barr will only improve the Saints, not harm them.
About Chris Novak
Chris Novak has been talking and writing about sports ever since he can remember. Previously, Novak wrote for and managed sites in the SB Nation network for nearly a decade from 2013-2022