Latavius Murray was the most recent former Viking to retire. Jordan Hicks is on the list as well, and he played on the defensive side of the ball. Although the defenders paths didn’t cross, fellow linebacker Anthony Barr now joins the group.

Anthony Barr calls it a career

The Minnesota Vikings too Anthony Barr with the ninth overall pick during the 2014 NFL Draft. That was Mike Zimmer’s first selection after taking over as head coach for Leslie Frazier. Now 11 years later, Barr is bowing out.

4x Pro Bowl OLB Anthony Barr is retiring after 10 NFL seasons.

The former top-10 pick of the #Vikings started 108 games during his outstanding career. pic.twitter.com/42N4geR22w

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 5, 2025

Barr did not play a regular season game last year. His career spans 10 seasons and just two different teams. After eight with the Vikings he went to Dallas as a free agent before returning for a final season in Minnesota.

Across 116 games (108 starts) Barr accumulated a whopping 554 tackles. He was an athletic linebacker that could work in coverage, stop the run, and get after the quarterback. His sack tally winds up at 18.5 and he forced eight fumbles as well. Barr picked off a surprising five passes in his pro career, and scored his lone touchdown on a fumble return as a rookie.

Will never forget this walk off TD by Anthony Barr in his rookie season. Congrats on a great career, 55!pic.twitter.com/eJNLaiw6vR

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) August 5, 2025

From 2015-2018 Barr was one of the best linebackers in the league. He made four consecutive appearances in the Pro Bowl. It would be difficult to suggest he didn’t live up to the expectations generated for a first round pick.

Related: NFL Hands Down Suspension for Jordan Addison

Barr will now have plenty of time on his hands during his post playing career. I’d bet he’d be welcomed with open arms from Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores to come and watch what the Minnesota Vikings are doing now. As a guy who succeeded at the highest level, Barr has to love the idea of the Minnesota front seven being such a vaunted unit.

Justin Jefferson, as expected, has officially been ruled out, along with (G) Chris Reed. QB Nick Mullins has also been activated and will likely serve as Josh Dobbs’ backup.

#Vikings roster moves

QB Nick Mullens has been activated to 53-man roster.

LB Anthony Barr and CB Joejuan Williams have been elevated to the active roster for tomorrow night’s game.

WR Justin Jefferson and G Chris Reed have been downgraded to OUT. pic.twitter.com/KQMO74hGUg

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 18, 2023

Vikings sign Anthony Barr to practice squad

So, the Vikings turned to free agency, where an old friend was available. That’s right, the Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has signed 31-year-old Anthony Barr to the team’s practice squad. Barr went to four Pro Bowls over an 8-year career in purple.

Welcome back to Minnesota, @AnthonyBarr!

The #Vikings have officially signed LB Anthony Barr to the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/BBCiAHxrK1

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 14, 2023

Related: Vikings Path to the Playoffs is Downhill, Freshly Paved and Wide Open

Barr had been a free agent since March, after playing one season with Dallas, following his contract expiring in Minnesota. HIs pro bowls all came from 2015-2018, but he did have one of his best statistical seasons in 2021, his last with Minnesota.

Hello, old friend…

On paper, Anthony Barr’s one season in Dallas may have been a down one, but it was far from terrible. He recorded over 55 tackles and a 6 AV at Pro-Football-Reference.

Barr’s return to Minnesota was first reported on Monday afternoon, by Adam Schefter (ESPN), and it caught me and the rest of Vikings nation by surprise. Will he have anything left in the tank? We will soon find out. Word on the street is that Anthony picked the Vikings over one other practice squad offer.

With LB Jordan Hicks hurt, the Vikings are planning to re-sign four-time Pro-Bowl LB Anthony Barr, per league sources.

Barr spent eight seasons in Minnesota after becoming the Vikings first-round pick in 2014.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 13, 2023

Minnesota Vikings drafts from 2012-2014

Since the Vikings’ inception into the NFL in 1961, they have always strived to find the best players available during the exciting draft period. Over the years, they have had their share of difficulties, but one period stands out: from 2012 to 2014. During this time, the Vikings secured seven first-round picks, with six of them going on to become big-time contributors both in Minnesota and elsewhere.

The Super Six have all managed to secure Pro Bowl honors at some point in their career, racking up nineteen all-star game appearances between them. Unfortunately, the Vikings haven’t been given much hope for the upcoming campaign and Bovada’s future Super Bowl lines make them +4000 outsiders for the Lombardi next February. However, with a good NFL draft under their belt as well as a bit of luck, anything is possible.

Current manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah would have done an excellent job if he managed to draft players as good as these six for the upcoming campaign.

Matt Kalil

In 2012, the Vikings selected offensive tackle, Matt Kalil, as the fourth overall pick in that year’s draft. He proved to be an instant contributor to the playing squad at U.S. Bank Stadium, forming part of the offensive line that led Adrian Peterson to 2,097 rushing yards – just nine yards shy of breaking the NFL record. Thanks to Kalil’s performance, he was selected to the Pro Bowl that season, becoming the first newcomer tackle from the Vikings to do so.

Harrison Smith

In the same draft, Minnesota selected safety, Harrison Smith, with their second first-round pick, selecting him as 29th overall. The former Notre Dame standout also had an early impact on his side’s defense, recording three interceptions and 104 tackles during his rookie season. Since then, he has become one of the best safeties in the league, earning Pro Bowl honors six times during his nine seasons in Minneapolis and securing a legendary status with the franchise.

Xavier Rhodes

The following year, the Vikings utilized their 25th overall pick to select cornerback, Xavier Rhodes. Rhodes became a dominant force during his tenure with the franchise, becoming known as one of the best press corners in the league. He was a key part of the defense that led the Vikings to the NFC North title in 2017 and was selected for Pro Bowl honors that term, as well as the year before and in 2019 before leaving for the Indianapolis Colts in 2020.

Cordarrelle Patterson

In 2013, the Purple People Eaters had three first-round picks for the first time in franchise history, and they used the second of those picks to select wide receiver, Cordarrelle Patterson. Patterson was a versatile player, recording 856 receiving yards and four touchdowns during his rookie season. He also became an immediate star on special teams, returning two kickoffs for touchdowns which led him to twice winning the kickoff return yards leader award as well as securing a spot in the all-star game on four separate occasions.

Anthony Barr

The Vikings selected linebacker, Anthony Barr, with the ninth overall pick in the 2014 draft. Barr instantly became a key piece to his side’s defense, helping lead them to the playoffs that season for just the second time in six years. He was a Pro Bowl selection in four consecutive campaigns between 2015 and 2018 and he established himself as one of the best linebackers in the NFL during that time thanks to his speed, agility, and ability to read plays. His role in the Vikings’ defense went beyond just making tackles and his leadership qualities were just as valuable as his physical exploits and performances, despite his love/hate relationship with the home faithful.

Teddy Bridgewater

After selecting Barr as the ninth overall pick, the Minneapolis outfit used their final first-round pick in 2014 to select quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater had an up-and-down tenure with the Vikings, showing flashes of potential, but dealing with injuries that hindered his development. However, he did lead the Vikings to an improbable playoff appearance in his second season in the league. He too managed to secure Pro Bowl honors following the 2015 campaign, however, that was his only appearance in the all-star game and his career has since fizzled out.

Conclusion

The Minnesota Vikings’ first-round draft picks between 2012 and 2014 proved to be some of the best in their franchise’s history. From Matt Kalil to Teddy Bridgewater, these players helped shape the franchise into a competitive outfit and earned several Pro Bowl honors. Although some have gone their separate ways, their impact in Minnesota will always be remembered and fans can only hope that the Vikings’ future draft picks can emulate their success.

That’s, in part, why Mike Zimmer rested a lot of his starters during the three preseason games the Vikings played. Those extra precautions, unfortunately, couldn’t save Irv Smith Jr from a season-ending injury sustained in game three that nobody knew was a problem the night it happened.

But clouds have cleared a bit at TCO Performance Center and the practice fields looked a little greener on Wednesday afternoon. Right tackle Brian O’Neill walked out of the locker rooms with a lot more green in his pocket too, after signing an extension this morning. And for the first time since camp gathered over a month ago, he walked out with a padded Christian Darrisaw next to him.

Oh, and Anthony Barr was back in pads too, which is a big deal if he’s going to play on Sunday vs the Cincinnati Bengals.

Good news for the Vikings: Anthony Barr, Christian Darrisaw, and Alexander Mattison are in pads and warming up as practice is about to begin. Perfect attendance at practice today.

— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) September 8, 2021

Full attendance at Vikings practice today. Anthony Barr was a full participant during individual/position drills. Christian Darrisaw looked like he was, too, participating in a cut blocking exercise and other OL drills. Alexander Mattison was back practicing as well.

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) September 8, 2021

Anthony Barr at practice for the first time since the first week of August. pic.twitter.com/4gTuRVxyuE

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) September 8, 2021

Status for Sunday

Media members are only allowed to film and watch so much of practice so they never know exactly how fully players participate unless injury reports are sent out. Still, we know quite a bit. Darrisaw isn’t going to play against the Bengals on Sunday and was only expected to work out individually today, according to Mike Zimmer. Still, this is a huge step in Christian’s path back to the playing field.

Anthony Barr’s padded practice on Wednesday was significant, if he’s hoping to play on Sunday. Should he stay healthy enough to practice the rest of this week, he should be a go. That would mean a fully-healthy defense for Mike Zimmer vs Cincinnati. Fingers crossed, Minnesota Vikings fans.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Barr’s been out with what we believe is a knee injury, since August 5, but the Vikings have never given up on his week one status. That doesn’t mean his possible absence hasn’t already been discussed in-house. They probably have a better idea inside of TCO Performance Center but Chad Graff (The Athletic) believes we all might have a clearer picture of Barr’s week one status by this time tomorrow.

Nope, they list the depth chart not factoring in health for Week 1. Tomorrow will be a huge day for Anthony Barr’s status. If he practices tomorrow, I’d guess he plays Sunday. If he doesn’t, I’d guess he’s not playing Sunday. https://t.co/Vg6NdzdxeB

— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) September 7, 2021

“Better on Paper” or “Paper Thin”?

The blogs and articles have been written from here to main street media. The Minnesota Vikings look like a much improved defense, on paper. They didn’t make any additions at linebacker, however. In fact, they lost Eric Wilson in free agency. If there was ever a time that this roster needed Anthony Barr the most, it’s right now.

A rather large mix of injury returnees and aging free agents have patched up Mike Zimmer’s worst-ever Vikings defense but ripping off any of those used band-aids could reveal the most infected parts of last year’s team once again. A mystery injury sidelining Anthony Barr for week one would be a bad way to kick it all off.

Bengals playing chess?

Clearly, they’re laying heavy importance on week 1 over in northern Ohio as well. In a chess-like maneuver this afternoon, the Cincinnati Bengals signed former Vikings Training Camp All-Star QB, Jake Browning, to their practice squad. I’m sure this under-the-radar move won’t keep Mike Zimmer up at all the next few nights.

Roster Update: We’ve signed QB Jake Browning to the practice squad and released P Drue Chrisman from the practice squad.

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 7, 2021

I’d love to shrug this off and make fun of its stupidity but signing Jake Browning a brilliant move by the Bengals. Will it make or break the game? Maybe not, but it’s a move that could gain the Bengals some extra insight on what the Vikings are trying to do offensively and it will ABSOLUTELY get into Mike Zimmer’s head.

Now, there’s only one obvious counterstrike for Rick Spielman to make.

If the @Vikings don’t sign former Bengals QB Kyle Shurmur after the Bengals signed Browning. I’ll be very disappointed. ????

— brian heintz (@bheintzskol) September 7, 2021

Youngest Offense in NFL

In other news that may or may not matter, the Minnesota Vikings have the youngest offense in the NFL, according to OvertheCap.com. Because Adam Thielen and Kirk Cousins get a lot of attention, it’s easy to forget just how young the offense is.

Dalvin Cook, for example, just turned 26 and star receiver, Justin Jefferson is barely 22. And without Riley Reiff to hold down the left side of the offensive line, its youth is front and center. Outside of Rashod Hill (29), who (we hope) isn’t a permanent starter at LT, the front-five doesn’t touch 27. Center Garrett Bradbury is the next oldest at 26 years and 79 days.

The NFLs Youngest and Oldest Rosters in 2021. https://t.co/AUFK02smHV pic.twitter.com/62ssSPdm4D

— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) September 7, 2021

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

When asked a few weeks ago about why Barr wasn’t practicing, Mike Zimmer told media there was nothing to worry about. A couple weeks later, that turned into “he’s got something that he’s dealing with”. Finally over the weekend, Zim admitted the team’s higher level of concern with Barr’s injury, raising even more red flags.

Today, per Mike’s son and co-defensive coordinator, Adam Zimmer, the Vikings are planning for Anthony Barr’s possible absence in their week one matchup vs the Cincinnati Bengals on September 12.

Not good, Bob.

#Vikings co-DC Adam Zimmer on injured LB Anthony Barr: “Today I can’t tell you whether he’s going to be ready Week 1 or not… Hopefully we’ll have him Week 1.”

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) August 24, 2021

What’s the injury?

We’re still not sure exactly what is ailing Anthony Barr, though insider Darren Wolfson went as far as calling it a “lower-body injury” on his latest episode of “The Scoop” podcast. Over the past week, others have hinted at a groin problem. The pressure to release the injury and its severity, in a more official way, will only build from here.

If Barr cannot go vs the Bengals, Zimmer Jr pointed to an open competition between Troy Dye, Chazz Surratt and Blake Lynch to replace him. All three have played above expectations so far during training camp and in preseason games.

New Zimmer calling plays?

The regular season is bearing down and that means we, once again, must discuss whether or not Mike Zimmer should be calling plays for his defense. The same question is clearly being posed internally, as well. Adam Zimmer told media as much today and said that he has called some plays during preseason games.

The Vikings still aren’t sure who will dial them up when the games matter next month. Much like Chris Tomasson, I’d bet on Zimmer Sr hanging onto his defensive signal caller responsibilities.

Adam Zimmer said he’s had the opportunity to call some defensive plays during the preseason and it’s gone well. Said it hasn’t been decided who will call plays during the regular season. Methinks Mike Zimmer isn’t ready to give it up.

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) August 24, 2021

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

The Minnesota Vikings are finalizing Anthony Barr’s contract restructure this morning, as we ramp up to the legal tampering period, which begins today at NOON CT. The deal was first reported close to complete Sunday evening by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. But, I’s have been dotted and T’s crossed this morning.

Here are the final Numbers, which are being released as I type this. The Vikings will save nearly $3 million against the cap in 2021 with Barr’s new deal, leaving them with about $12 million remaining. Anthony is now set to hit free agency in 2022. This won’t be the last cap-saving maneuver for Rick and Rob.

Stay tuned. This could be the beginning of an eventful day.

Barr can earn back $500K if he makes the Pro Bowl, and the last two years of his old contract now void. Minnesota gets needed cash and cap relief, while Barr — who turns 29 on Thursday — gets back to the market in 2022.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2021

So the #Vikings will save $2.9 million on the salary cap by restructuring Anthony Barr's contract. That now gives them about $12.25 million of cap room.

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 15, 2021

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

After parting ways with Riley Reiff and Kyle Rudolph last week in salary cap saving measures, the Minnesota Vikings turned their attention toward Anthony Barr and his bloated contract. Well, talks are apparently well underway on Sunday night and it looks like Barr will stay in purple and gold for at least one more season… but at a reduced rate.

The Minnesota Vikings and LB Anthony Barr are working on a restructured contract that reduces his $12.3M salary but makes him a free agent in 2022, per sources. This helps Minnesota’s cap while getting Barr — who had three years left on his deal – two years closer to free agency

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 14, 2021

This would make sense for both sides. Free agency is going to be a completely different animal next year, as the league and players cash in on a new TV deal and start their financial recovery post-pandemic. Allowing Barr to play out one guaranteed season at a lower cap hit before hitting the open market on his own terms, is a win/win for all parties.

Now we just have to wait for the two sides to finish negotiation when we’ll find out how much salary cap cash Rick and Rob are saving. We’ll keep you posted.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

With NFL free agency less than one week away, the Minnesota Vikings front office has come to life recently. They’ve cut Dan Bailey and Riley Reiff, while getting Britton Colquitt to cut most of his salary. Releasing Reiff was the move that made waves and created what is now about $10 million in cap space.

With the status of the offensive line entering this offseason, I didn’t think that was a move they’d make. But they did and it sent a message through the locker room. Rick and Rob will do whatever it takes to get their hands on enough cash to make a splash (or two) this offseason.

Next up on the ‘pay cut or get cut list’, according to insiders around the league, is Anthony Barr. Why? He’s making double what he’s worth in this depressed and saturated open market. That’s not going to work, especially this season when the cap has been cut to $182 million.

Urgency now turns to what the #Vikings do with LB Anthony Barr since he has $7.1 million of his $12.9 million salary now on the books for 2021 due to become guaranteed March 19. He's got a whopping cap number of $15.062 million.

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 11, 2021

If #Vikings LB Anthony Barr were to become a free agent, salary-cap analyst Jason Fitzgerald predicted he likely on the open market could only command about half of the $12.9 million salary he is now on the books for.

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 11, 2021

Not the time to nickel and dime

This is not the season to have a big cap number, if you aren’t worth the money. There are so many teams needing to get below the $182 million cap ceiling, that good players like Riley Reiff and Anthony Barr have cut from just about every roster in the league.

That’s going to leave the free agent market full of quality NFL players and a bunch of teams with holes to fill but limited dollars to pay. We’re going to see value contracts signed this offseason that would have blown minds just 12 months ago. Guys like Anthony Barr have no choice but to renegotiate.

He can take a pay cut in Minnesota or he can take his spot in a 2021 NFL unemployment line of quality players just like him. Reiff decided to swim with the rest of the fish and take his chances. I applaud him for it. But if I were in his or Barr’s shoes, I’d take what I can get this season and leave myself an opportunity to make my money back in the future.

Only time will tell.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan