It was a move many were hoping the Cowboys made, and they finally did. This past Wednesday, the Cowboys signed four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Anthony Barr to a one-year deal worth up to $3 million.

Barr is entering his ninth season in the NFL. During his days with the Minnesota Vikings, Barr played in the postseason just three times, and although the Vikings reached the NFC Championship Game in 2017, going to a team that has the potential of making a run at a Super Bowl had to weigh heavy in his decision on where his career would continue.

Once Barr made his way to Oxnard, California to join the Cowboys at training camp, he talked about what persuaded him to come to America's Team, and having success in the postseason was certainly a factor.

"I think Dallas is a contender," Barr said. "I wanted to be on a team I think has a chance to win. I wanted an opportunity to play at a high level, and I'm excited to be here."

Barr sees Dallas as a contender in large part because of All-Pro linebacker, Micah Parsons. Barr is hoping he can take Parsons' game to the next level, as well as the Cowboys.

"I'm just gonna try to help him continue to unlock his game, and to be the best player he can be," said Barr. "He had a great start last year – pretty amazing what he was able to accomplish. And I think he can just continue to elevate and to take it to the next level. I'm hoping to be a tool, a resource to him but to also learn from him and the other guys.

"I come in humble and ready to learn, and ready to help."

Oh, but there's more.

A big reason for the clamoring by Cowboys fans for Barr to be signed was his connection with team senior defensive assistant George Edwards, who he played under during his days with the Vikings. Barr spoke to the Dallas media about his connection to Edwards, and his new defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.

"Obviously, I have some connection with [senior defensive assistant] George Edwards – being in Minnesota – we got real close while I was out there, and we've had some success," Barr said. "I've heard nothing but great things about [Dan Quinn], and how he operates."

Edwards came to the Vikings in 2014, the year Barr was drafted ninth overall. He was Barr's defensive coordinator for six seasons (2014-2019) and four of them saw Barr reach Pro Bowl status. So, if anyone can bring out the best in Barr with the Cowboys, even at age 30, it's Edwards.

Barr feels the same way, as he told the media with a pretty short and direct comment.

"Happy to be working with him again," Barr said.

What needs to be understood is that Barr isn't coming to the Cowboys as the same Pro Bowl-level player he once was. He's battled pectoral muscle, knee, and hamstring issues over the last two seasons which have forced him to miss 20 games. However, in the 11 games he played last season, Barr's 72 tackles were the third-best of his career (he was on pace to set a career-high) and his three interceptions were his most in one year.

This means that despite his recent injury history and age, Barr still has tread left on the tires. His experience playing every linebacker position with the Vikings will allow Quinn to let Parsons get after the quarterback more, which is arguably his greatest strength. Also, it gives the Cowboys a viable option to defend the pass, and with that particular skill being a strong suit for second-year linebacker Jabril Cox, it instantly improves the Cowboys' pass defense.

The move to acquire Barr made too much sense for the Cowboys. Not just because of his connection to Edwards and the fact that the Cowboys' depth at linebacker needed improvement, but the financial commitment isn't big so it's a low-risk move with the potential of having a high reward if Barr stays healthy.

Barr can defend the run and pass, and that skill set can be a boost to get the Cowboys' defense to a championship level.

Feature image via Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports