Could Anthony Barr’s Vikings reunion be short-lived?

There’s a rumor going around that the Cowboys could be looking to poach Barr off Minnesota’s practice squad after missing out on Shaq Leonard, who signed with the rival Eagles. It was originally floated by ex-Cowboys scout and current Dallas radio host Bryan Broaddus.

This doesn’t mean Barr is definitely gone, but it’s interesting to note as a possibility when it comes from a source with some credibility.

Barr spent last season with Dan Quinn and the Cowboys after playing under Mike Zimmer in Minnesota for his first eight seasons. He was away from football this year until joining the Vikings’ practice squad a few weeks ago in the wake of Jordan Hicks heading to injured reserve.

Since then, Barr has been elevated for games against the Broncos and Bears and played a total of 25 defensive snaps. He’s been effective in those limited snaps, recording a third-down stop in Denver and recovering a key fumble against Chicago.

Barr is eligible to be elevated from the practice squad to the Vikings’ gameday roster one more time this season. After that, he’d have to be signed to their 53-man roster to continue appearing in games. The Cowboys could also try to poach him to their active roster, at which point the Vikings could also make him an offer. If that happened, he’d have a choice to make.

The 9-3 Cowboys are in need of another option at LB with Leighton Vander Esch and DeMarvion Overshown on IR. They were a finalist for Leonard, but he decided to sign with the Eagles instead.

The Vikings are hopeful that they’ll get Hicks back at some point before the regular season ends. In the meantime, rookie Ivan Pace Jr. will lead the way at inside linebacker.