With The First Pick
Fansided

Anthony Barr spurns Jets for Vikings

By Bryan Perez

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 16: Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts after sacking Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Miami Dolphins in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 16: Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts after sacking Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Miami Dolphins in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Free-agent linebacker Anthony Barr shocks Jets and will return to Vikings.

Just one day after the New York Jets agreed to terms with free-agent linebacker Anthony Barr, the talented edge defender has decided to abandon New York and return to Minnesota, according to multiple reports.

We touched on how Barr’s addition gave the Jets flexibility in their 2019 NFL draft plans, especially at the No. 3 overall pick, where Barr would’ve eliminated the need to force a pass-rusher at that spot.

Now, all bets are off.

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This fiasco is a cautionary tale for teams entering deals with free agents during the tampering period. Until the ink dries, there’s no official contract and players like Barr are free to change their mind, even if it’s bad business.

The Jets are now left to scramble for edge-rush help in free agency, if they in fact intended to use the open market as the place to fix their pass-rush needs. Several of the top names in this year’s class have already signed with new clubs, including Za’Darius Smith (Packers) and Preston Smith (Packers).

Fortunately for New York, there’s no shortage of edge defenders in the 2019 NFL draft. Josh Allen (Kentucky) is likely to be the highest-graded prospect at the position who’ll be on the board at the third pick, but other talented options like Florida State’s Brian Burns and Mississippis State’s Montez Sweat will be available in case the Jets want to trade down to accumulate more picks.

Regardless, the Barr saga is an embarrassing moment for a Jets team looking to rebuild its reputation this offseason.

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