Anthony Barr Spurns Jets, Re-Signs with Vikings

Anthony Barr has reversed course and will continue playing for the Minnesota Vikings, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports. Barr had initially agreed to sign with the New York Jets on Monday, but after a change of heart, the linebacker has opted to re-sign with Minnesota.

Plot twist! LB Anthony Barr has decided to agree to terms to remain with the #Vikings, sources say. He will not be a member of the #Jets after all.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 12, 2019

Barr, a pass rushing specialist who turns 27 next week, made 55 tackles last season with three sacks and a forced fumble. In 71 career games spanning five seasons, he has compiled 338 tackles, 13.5 sacks, 22 passes defensed and seven forced fumbles for the Vikings, who selected him No. 9 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft.

The Vikings already lost defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson and running back Latavius Murray to free agency. Richardson inked a three-year deal with the Cleveland Browns, while Murray joined the New Orleans Saints on a four-year pact. The Vikings were on the verge of losing Barr before he decided to return for a sixth season with the franchise.

The new league year opens tomorrow at 3 p.m. ET, meaning players are free to opt out of any verbal agreements they make with a team during the legal tampering period.

Barr's new deal with Minnesota will pay him roughly $13.5 million per year, according to NFL Insider Albert Breer.

The Vikings and LB Anthony Barr's camp are hammering out a multi-year deal now, and it's expected to come in at about $13.5 million per, per sources. Barr loves Minnesota, team's culture. And Vikes sweetened their offer last night.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 12, 2019