The New York Jets are expected to pursue Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr once NFL free agency begins.

Barr was the ninth overall pick in the 2014 draft by the Vikings. In his six-year career, he has a total of 338 tackles, 13.5 sacks, 22 passes defensed, an interception, and seven forced fumbles. Last season he started 13 games, finishing with 55 tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble.

According to Pro Football Focus, he led all linebackers with a 13.8 pass-rushing productivity mark. Barr also had a total of 23 pressures in 94 pass-rush snaps. Although he allowed three touchdown passes to the Los Angeles Rams when the Vikings lost by a score of 38-31 last season, those were the only touchdown passes he surrendered all year long.

He isn't the fastest linebacker around, but quality athletes find ways to compensate for the deficiencies they have. Barr makes up for his lack of blazing speed with his considerable football IQ and noticeable mental responsiveness. He is technically sound in stuffing the run, in addition to his ability to rush the passer. He also possesses great size (6-5, 255 pounds) and can do anything that is asked of him. His stats won't blow anyone away, but he has proven effective in all phases of being a linebacker.

With the Jets expected to move to a 4-3 defense with the hiring of defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, a lot of the players they have won't fit their scheme. Barr was a strong-side linebacker in the Vikings' 4-3 defense and should not have many problems learning Williams' defensive playbook.

The Vikings have the second-lowest cap total ($5 million) going into free agency. That means they likely won't be able to retain Anthony Barr. The Jets currently have around $92 million in cap space and will have a very good chance at signing the veteran linebacker, who will be entering his sixth year in the NFL.