After missing the start of organized team activities last week, Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr returned to practice with his teammates during Tuesday’s session, per the Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling.
Barr was seen in a video of the practice the Vikings sent via their official Twitter account.
Back to business.#MinnesOTAs pic.twitter.com/U8VHMTbJdH
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) May 29, 2018
It has yet to be disclosed what the actual reason for Barr’s absence was and if it’s connected to his current contract situation. The 26-year-old, who did inform head coach Mike Zimmer beforehand that he wouldn’t be reporting to OTAs, is entering the final year of his rookie deal contract is looking for a new long-term deal.
The Vikings are reportedly working on such extensions for him, wide receiver Stefon Diggs, and defensive lineman Danielle Hunter at the moment.
Barr, who was a top-10 pick by the Vikings in 2014, has emerged as one of the more impressive young linebackers in the league. He’s been a consistent starter on the Vikings’ defense ever since coming into the league and has also made the Pro Bowl in three consecutive years. Last season, he set a new career high with 75 combined tackles last season and added six passes defended with one sack.
Barr’s return is certainly a promising sign for Minnesota heading into the new season. It’s still unclear whether he and the team can come to terms on the long-term deal he’s looking for before the start of the season. But the fact remains that he’s an integral part of the Vikings’ elite-level defense and will be crucial in their bid to make it back to the NFC Championship Game and beyond.
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