In the brief time since the Minnesota Vikings fell a win short of reaching the Super Bowl, the franchise's attention has shifted toward the major roster decisions that must be made this offseason. One of those is locking up Pro Bowl outside linebacker Anthony Barr to a new, long-term deal.

According to Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press, Barr has expressed a strong interest in signing an extension with the team.

“Yeah, I love it here,” Barr told the Pioneer Press. “Absolutely. I really love my teammates. I really love this team. I love the city. I could see myself being here for the future.”

The 25-year-old is set to enter the final year of his rookie deal on a fifth-year option that will pay him $12.3 million for the 2018 season.

Barr has been one of the cornerstone players for the Vikings' defense since entering the league as the ninth overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. In his first four years, he has racked up 283 tackles with 10.5 sacks and six forced fumbles while earning three Pro Bowl selections.

Although Barr's contract situation is high on the list of offseason tasks for the Vikings, the primary focus is expected to be on their quarterback dilemma, with Case Keenum, Teddy Bridgewater, and Sam Bradford all lined up to hit the open market. Keenum put together a strong 2017 campaign, but his future in Minnesota isn't necessarily secure, as he could easily wind up elsewhere if he doesn't feel valued financially by the organization.

There is a growing expectation that the Vikings are leaning toward bringing back Bridgewater as the potential starter for in 2018. Things are less clear for Bradford, as his health issues could push him out of the mix.

Once this difficult situation is resolved, the front office will likely turn their attention toward working out a long-term deal for the star outside linebacker.