Anthony Barr Rumors: LB to Sign 5-Year, $67.5M Vikings Contract, Turn Down Jets

Linebacker Anthony Barr has reportedly decided to remain with the Minnesota Vikings after speculation he'd leave in free agency to join the New York Jets.

Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network reported the update Tuesday. ESPN's Adam Schefter noted Monday the linebacker intended to sign with New York before the apparent change of heart.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Barr will sign a five-year deal in Minnesota worth $67.5 million with $33 million in guarantees. Barr can earn $77.5 million with incentives, per Rapoport.

The Jets were expected to shift Barr into more of an edge-rushing role, which he previously played in college for UCLA, per ESPN's Rich Cimini. It's unclear if that was a factor in his decision to opt instead for a return to Minnesota.

Here's a look at some reaction to the plot twist:

Barr played the first five seasons of his professional career with the Vikes, who selected him with the ninth overall pick in the 2014 draft.

The 26-year-old Indiana native racked up 55 total tackles, three sacks, two passes defended and a forced fumble across 13 appearances for Minnesota in 2018. Pro Football Focus graded him as the league's 26th-best linebacker.

In January, Barr told reporters he wasn't sure whether getting to play a more exclusive pass-rushing role was the best option for him despite the higher demand for it around the league:

"I don't know. I don't really like to speak in hypotheticals too much, because who knows if I'm going to be back or not. Our defense is what we do. I don't think it's going to be a whole [lot] different than what we've done in the past. We make adjustments throughout offseasons and through the course of the season, but for the most part we are who we are. It's been good to me, so we'll see what happens."

Barr should remain in his usual off-ball, multifaceted role within the Vikings defense.

Getting him back is a major offseason boost for a Minnesota defense that ranked fourth in yards allowed per game in 2018.