The Denver Broncos will probably lose free agent linebacker Cody Barton this offseason if the team doesn’t resign him soon. According to a report, the source suggests the Broncos should bring back the linebacker over another impending free agent defensive tackle DJ Jones. Barton has been a productive force in the league with three consecutive 100 tackles each season with three different teams, including the Commanders and Seahawks. Originally selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Utah product has a good hand in forcing turnovers which he had plenty with the Broncos.
However, it’s easy to see why reports suggest the Broncos should re-sign him immediately considering he’s still young and has a lot of football in the tank. Despite that, Barton was a “serviceable” piece for the team’s middle pass rush which is a nice way of saying “Okay see you later.” Barton had his moments of explosion but one must look into what areas he could improve in a team’s defensive pass rush. The Broncos shouldn’t have a tough time replacing Barton, and the same can be said about him finding a new team.
Denver originally brought him in on a one-year deal for a reason. He probably won’t be in their long-term plans since the Broncos could be eyeing other options like Zack Baun or Nick Bolton. The Broncos are looking for the next step but Barton probably has earned himself a longer team deal with these three teams.
Broncos Urged Bringing Back “Upside” Free Agent Cody Barton – Could Leave for Chargers, Ravens, Commanders
The Joey Bosa Replacement?
The trenches’ defense will look different for the Los Angeles Chargers like the secondary depending on what happens. As of this posting, Free Agent Khalil Mack will likely test free agency and Joey Bosa will be cut in the following days. With that, the Chargers should be in the market for new replacements in this year’s free agency before preparing to draft the future. The team already has Poona Ford on their mind for a potential contract extension after having one of the most phenomenal one-year seasons.
Barton is not on any level as Mack but it gives the Chargers a reset. The good news is that the team has money to afford a high-end linebacker to be a viable replacement. Still, they should bring in Barton where he could be successful under Jesse Minter’s wing. The Chargers might have been dominant in the pass defense but the same can’t be said about the run.
Other Fits
For the Ravens, the linebacker unit is getting weaker as each offseason passes by. After losing Jadeveon Clowney last offseason, Baltimore’s pass rush hasn’t been the same for Roquan Smith and Kyle Van Noy as far as balance. Perhaps, Barton who is known to excel well to stop the run could pair with Van Noy as Trenton Simpson’s replacement. Simpson still has seasons to go but his performance so far is anything but promising so Barton could be the bargain replacement the Ravens could afford.
As for the Commanders, the team will probably bring back Bobby Wagner on another veteran deal. However, Dante Fowler’s future looks bleak since rumors have it that the Commanders will be looking for upgrades for the defensive line. They could move on from Fowler and Dorance Armstrong after one year, but bringing back Barton to pair with Wagner should have a better outcome for this upcoming campaign than he did in 2023.
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