Grading the latest six Commanders moves in 2023 free agency

Commanders signed Cody Barton (LB)

Finding assistance at the defensive second-level interior was another big need for the Washington Commanders. While there is still a chance Cole Holcomb comes back on a short-term deal, the front office couldn’t leave anything to chance and that’s why Cody Barton came on board just a few short hours after legal tampering began.

Barton agreed to a one-year deal with the Commanders and arrives on the back of his finest season as a professional in 2022. The linebacker was a tackling machine for the Seattle Seahawks while playing 77 percent of defensive snaps – greater involvement than the former third-round selection has ever experienced before.

While there is some work to do from a coverage standpoint, Barton is fast, agile, and hard-hitting. This represents a solid foundation to build under the expert guidance of Jack Del Rio.

Much like the situation with Cameron Dantzler Sr., the Commanders can easily get off Barton in 2024 if things don’t work out. This is also unlikely to stop Washington from targeting a promising linebacker from the college ranks if the right opportunity presents itself during the draft.

Grade: B

Barton could be a solid signing for the Commanders if he builds on his recent accomplishments. But it would be wise for a contingency plan in the event he cannot make the necessary impact.