Jersey Number ‘Clue’ Suggests Anthony Barr Unlikely to Return with Vikings
Dustin Baker
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For eight consecutive seasons, Anthony Barr wore jersey #55 for the Minnesota Vikings as a linebacker inside Mike Zimmer’s 4-3 defense. Now, another man appears to be taking over the number, signaling an unofficial end to Barr’s stint in Minnesota.
That’s Za’Darius Smith, who wore #55 for the three seasons with the Green Bay Packers. Smith signed with Minnesota in March, ensuring Kevin O’Connell’s Vikings have a formidable pass rush in 2022.
And on Smith’s website, ZaDariusSmithShop.com, he’s visible on the homepage wearing an emphatic 55 on his jersey.
As for Barr, he was whispered in the Jets rumor mill recently. Former Vikings linebacker Ben Leber also said on VikesNow last week that Barr could be battling a bothersome knee injury, preventing other NFL teams from free-agent conversations.
Even before Smith’s presence in the #55 jersey, it was a longshot for Barr to return with the Vikings. After the regular season ended in January, Barr posted a “Thank You, Minnesota” graphic, implying his career in purple was finished.
Smith’s website photo is just more writing on the wall. Of course, everything could change, and Barr could suit up again in Minnesota. It’s certainly not impossible. He could cut a deal for his number back or simply wear a different number.
But the reunion chatter probably would’ve started by now. If 2021 was the end of the road for Barr, his career with the Vikings was terrific. In eight years, he produced 495 total tackles, 17.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, five interceptions, three Pro Bowls, and one 2nd-Team All-Pro honor.
He’ll be remembered as the number-one-with-a-bullet “Zimmer guy,” as the two men started together in the same season — and, if Barr doesn’t return, left the franchise in 2021.
Barr is 30 years old.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
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