Are the Commanders and Cowboys in bidding war for Pro Bowl linebacker?

It’s no secret that the Washington Commanders‘ linebacker rotation is the weakest link on the roster. As of this writing, Cole Holcomb, who’s moving to the MIKE role as the defense’s chief signal-caller, is the unit’s only three-down player after he finished 10th in the league with 142 tackles last season.

In short, the group’s outlook for 2022 is alarmingly bleak, and it’s no surprise Pro Football Focus ranked it No. 27 in the NFL earlier this offseason. In its 2022 roster ranking, PFF labeled linebacker Washington’s biggest weakness, citing Jamin Davis’ underwhelming rookie year and it ranking 30 out of 32 units in 2021.

Following Terry McLaurin’s contract presser, Ron Rivera hinted at the idea of Washington signing a veteran linebacker between now and the end of camp. Fans have been campaigning for such a move all offseason, and there’s (still) no shortage of free agents who could step in and start or play behind Holcomb and Davis.

Have the Commanders zeroed in on a potential target?

On Tuesday, KSTP’s Darren Wolfson shared that the Commanders have “kicked the tires” on signing Anthony Barr. Wolfson, who appeared on “Mackey & Judd” in Minnesota, also noted the Cowboys’ interest in the 30-year-old.

The Commanders are reportedly interested in signing Anthony Barr, but they face competition from the Cowboys.

OF COURSE the Cowboys are also interested in Barr. Much like the Commanders, Dallas’ linebacker room leaves a lot to be desired behind Micah Parsons, who doesn’t even play the position full-time due to his ability to impact the game as a pass-rusher. All they have behind Parsons is the oft-injured Leighton Vander Esch, Luke Gifford and Jabril Cox, who’s coming off a torn ACL.

ESPN’s Bill Barnwell predicted Barr to sign with the Cowboys, but the fact the former longtime Viking is still kicking in free agency proves that’s not a sure thing, though it would behoove Washington act swiftly here assuming their interest is legitimate.

After all, former Vikings defensive coordinator George Edwards, who coached Barr from 2014-19, currently serves as Dallas’ senior defensive assistant.

Simply put, Barr would be a fantastic pickup for the Commanders. His recent injury is concerning (he’s missed 20 games over the last two seasons), but he was incredibly productive in 11 games in 2021, tallying 72 tackles, 10 pressures, five pass breakups, three interceptions, six quarterback hits and 2.5 sacks.

It’s unclear how much football Barr has left in him, but he’d absolutely be worth a one-year contract for Washington.

The team has plenty of cap space to throw around, but his age and recent battles with injury suggest he’ll come at an affordable price. What is there to lose … especially with Davis conceding reps to David Mayo during spring practices?

Feels like a no-brainer.