Denver Broncos move no. 4: Anthony Barr, LB
In some ways, I think a lot of fans would view a signing like Anthony Barr as the final piece to the 2022 offseason puzzle.
Many in Broncos Country have been absolutely clamoring for more off-ball linebacker help.
The team is moving Baron Browning to the edge, and that move has undoubtedly created a bit more cloudy of a future at the off-ball linebacker position next to Josey Jewell, who is fully healthy and now under contract for two more seasons.
Next to Jewell, who is going to play?
Is it really going to be Alex Singleton? Do the Broncos have confidence that Jonas Griffith is going to take that next step as a full-time starter after what he showed last year?
We all know that connections are a huge deal in the NFL, and Anthony Barr just so happens to have a great connection with Denver Broncos GM George Paton.
Not only was Paton part of drafting Barr as a first-round pick a few years back, but Barr and Paton also went to the same college (UCLA) and high school (Loyola) and have even taken a trip to their old stomping grounds together.
ICYMI, these two Loyola Football legends (Anthony Barr ‘10 & George Paton ‘87) were back on campus yesterday. The Vikings held practice here on Smith Field in advance of their game tonight vs the LA Rams. It was a privilege to host this 1st class organization. #C4L #GoCubs #Skol pic.twitter.com/phZy9Qysc3
— Loyola High Alumni (@LoyolaHSAlumni) September 27, 2018
The Broncos clearly aren’t desperate for help at the linebacker position. They passed on that position group altogether in the 2022 NFL Draft, but they did consider guys at that position with their top pick, no. 64 overall.
Although it might only be a year-to-year thing, Anthony Barr has the ability to come in and be a veteran presence at a position that could be considered a need. He won’t have to call the defense but can float around the formation and help in a variety of ways.
I think at this stage of the offseason, adding Barr would be a huge move for the Denver Broncos.