Will the Commanders regret letting the Cowboys sign Anthony Barr?

Like every fan base, Washington Commanders fans don’t agree on everything. What seemingly everybody can agree on though, is the team’s need to upgrade at linebacker before the start of the regular season. In the second week of training camp, Washington’s season-opener against Jacksonville is just five weeks way.

While Cole Holcomb is an ascending star and taking over the middle linebacker role in Jack Del Rio’s defense, Jamin Davis isn’t making his presence felt at camp despite the confidence Ron Rivera recently expressed in the second-year player.

Behind them, there’s veteran David Mayo and the unproven Khaleke Hudson, who’s alarmingly had a more impressive camp than Davis. We have a sneaky feeling Hudson will play a major role this year, but it goes without saying the Commanders need (or should) bring in a veteran to anchor the rotation.

Unfortunately, their “confidence” in their young group of linebackers cost them the opportunity to sign Anthony Barr, who landed with the Cowboys.

Did the Commanders blow it by letting the Cowboys sign free agent linebacker Anthony Barr?

The Commanders were reportedly interested in Barr, but they weren’t even in the running to net the four-time Pro Bowler’s signature.

Per NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo, it was between Denver — due to Barr’s connection to general manager George Patton — and Dallas, who have Barr’s former defensive coordinator George Edwards on their staff as a defensive assistant.

On one hand, the Commanders’ losing out on Barr isn’t a doomsday scenario. He hasn’t played a full season since 2017, appeared in just 13 games over the last two seasons and his entering his age-30 season. That injury history is notable, so there would’ve been a tough of risk attached to signing Barr.

But is Washington really in a position to get picky?

With Chase Young likely to miss the start of the season, Barr’s ability to line up as an edge rusher would’ve knocked out to birds with one stone. Instead, he signed with the NFC East favorites. To make matters worse, Barr’s arrival will allow Micah Parsons the freedom to do whatever he wants, which is a scary thought.

Despite his injury concerns, Barr is still an incredibly versatile player. In 11 games last campaign, he tallied 72 tackles, 10 pressures, three interceptions, five pass breakups six quarterback hits, 2.5 sacks and a 72.3 pass-rush grade from PFF.

A grizzled vet and willing leader, Barr can do a little bit of everything and would’ve been a worthwhile pickup for the Commanders. There’s still some intriguing names available on the market, so we’ll reserve making a full judgment on Dallas signing Barr until we get deeper into camp.

At first glance, though, it’s not a great look.