Shaq Leonard was a free agent and the Dallas Cowboys’ pursuit of him was unsuccessful. Especially troubling was Leonard’s decision on Monday to join with the Philadelphia Eagles, a rival team, rather than remain with “America’s Team.”
The former three-time Pro Bowler Leonard will be on the other sideline of this weekend’s “Sunday Night Football” game at AT&T Stadium, which adds some spice to the matchup between the NFC East and the West.
As a result of Dallas’ flirtation, it’s clear the Cowboys desire some linebacker depth due to the season-ending injury loss of Leighton Vander Esch.
Barr, 31, is also a former multi-time Pro Bowler, has also spent some time in Philadelphia, and knows the Dallas system well, having played here in 2022.
His job then was as a fill-in and part-time starter (with 10 first-team assignments) as the former Minnesota Vikings star and ninth-overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft contributed 15 tackles, two fumble recoveries, one sack and eight pressures.
He’s now bounced back to Minnesota, three weeks ago having been added to the Vikings practice squad.
“It’s been a reunion, I guess you could call it,” said Barr, signed “off the couch” by the Vikings. “It feels great to be back.
However, the Cowboys would theoretically be inviting him to join the roster, with former Dallas scout Bryan Broaddus stoking the rumors. He possesses certain qualities that current Dallas starters Markquese Bell and Damone Clark do not, standing at 6-5, 260.
The only way the Vikings can fend off Dallas’ attempt to “poach” him, spearheaded by coordinator Dan Quinn’s desire, is to add him to their own 53-man roster.
