Cleveland Browns a potential landing spot for Anthony Barr

Minnesota Vikings free agent Anthony Barr will get a lot of interest in the open market and the Cleveland Browns have been mentioned as a potential landing spot for him

With plenty of money to spend in free agency (again) the Cleveland Browns are expected to be big players when it comes to trying to lure teams away from other clubs. With that being the case — and with general manager John Dorsey being incredibly aggressive — the Browns will be mentioned often as a potential suitor for many big names.

Not all of the names thrown out will make sense — and many that were discussed early on, such as Grady Jarrett, will never even leave their clubs to negotiate with anyone else. Some, however, will have a chance to test the waters and do make sense for the Browns.

One such player who fits that bill is current Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Anthony Barr. Formerly a first-round pick out of UCLA, Barr is about to be searching for a new home and the Browns make sense, or at least that’s what Cory Kinnan of NFL Spin Zone says as he selected Cleveland as one of five potential landing spots for Barr.

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"“With Barr looking for upwards of $12 million per year, the Browns will be able to recoup nearly $10 million in space if they decide to part ways with Collins; Barr could be a suitor for that money in Cleveland.” —Kinnan, NFL Spin Zone"

As Kinnan suggests, the Browns could have $10 million extra in cap space by removing Jamie Collins from their roster. Coincidentally, Barr and Collins have similar styles as each is effective in the running game but can also produce as pass rushers. The difference is, Barr is younger and still in his prime whereas Collins, who turns 30 this fall, hasn’t looked as explosive since a knee injury in 2017.

Barr has 338 tackles and 13.5 sacks for the Vikings in his five seasons but really hasn’t been used as effectively as a pass rusher as his skills suggest he should. Landing in Cleveland could be as good a move for him as it would be for the team as they have had success with players such as Genard Avery and Collins closer to the line of scrimmage.

Of course, Barr will need to be convinced the same can happen with Steve Wilks now calling the shots on defense. His history in Carolina suggests that won’t be a problem as he often put players in great position to succeed there.