3 Vikings Mike Zimmer Could Lure to the Cowboys
By Cem Yolbulan
It may have taken longer than anticipated, but the Dallas Cowboys finally have their defensive coordinator. Despite rumors of other candidates emerging in the last second, the Cowboys announced Mike Zimmer as Dan Quinn's replacement on Monday.
Zimmer is perhaps best known as the former head coach for the Minnesota Vikings between 2014 and 2021. In his eight seasons there, Zimmer's teams have consistently been one of the most elite defensive units in the NFL, ranking top-four in the league in yards allowed for three straight seasons.
Even though he hasn't coached for the past two seasons, his defensive reputation is still intact. He will have a chance to use his connections with his former players to bring them to Dallas to chase that Super Bowl win that eluded them in Minnesota.
Here are some likely candidates that Zimmer could lure to the Cowboys this offseason.
Anthony Barr, EDGE
When the Dallas Cowboys signed Barr in free agency in 2022, things didn't work out well for either side. The former Pro Bowl linebacker failed to make much of an impact in his one season in Dallas while struggling with injuries at the same time. He then went back to Minnesota for the 2023 season, mostly spending time with the practice squad and only appearing in four games.
However, Barr and Zimmer go way back as the edge defender was first drafted by the Vikings in Zimmer's first season there. He made four straight Pro Bowl appearances in Minnesota as he became one of the best in his position.
Barr is certainly not the player he once was as injuries have taken a toll on the 31-year-old. However, his familiarity with Zimmer and the Cowboys organization makes him an intriguing option for the veteran minimum. He is not going to change the fate of the franchise but his experience can prove useful in a limited role in certain matchups.
Considering that the Cowboys don't need high-end additions to their defensive line, a veteran backup with the talent and intelligence Barr possesses might be all they need in terms of depth.