3 veteran free agents Commanders should bring in for training camp tryouts

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 11: Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the Cleveland Browns tries to evade cornerback Xavier Rhodes #27 of the Indianapolis Colts at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 11, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Colts 32-23. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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2. Anthony Barr

The Commanders appear content deploying Cole Holcomb and Jamin Davis as their starting linebackers for next season.

That concept does NOT resonate with fans, who’ve collectively been calling for the team to sign a veteran to add to the rotation. The likes of Dont’a Hightower, Alexander Johnson and Kwon Alexander are all available, but Barr offers similar intrigue given his ability to generate pressure as an off-ball backer.

Capable of sticking his hand in the dirt, Barr’s potential arrival wouldn’t take snaps away from Davis. Developing the 2021 first-round pick after a forgettable rookie year seems high on Washington’s priority list, and signing one of Hightower, Johnson or Alexander would run the risk of him losing snaps.

At 30 years old and four years removed from his last Pro Bowl, Barr’s best days are clearly behind him, but the eight-year pro is still a rare breed of linebacker who can rush, defend the run and handle his own in coverage.

If the Commanders are dissuaded by Barr’s recent injury history, then Hightower, Johnson and Alexander would be solid consolation prizes.

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