The Washington Commanders endured a steady stream of failed linebackers until head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters took charge. Most have not caught on elsewhere, which is a damning indictment of Ron Rivera's personnel evaluation and ability to find the right targets.
And one NFL analyst believes a former Commanders flop could be on the chopping block elsewhere despite his decent production since leaving Washington.
Rivera's last throw of the dice was Cody Barton. He was signed in 2023 free agency and immediately thrown into a starting role. Fans were somewhat enthused after his previous season's efforts with the Seattle Seahawks. Unfortunately, it didn't take long to realize that this move was going to be disastrous.
Former Commanders linebacker Cody Barton could be feeling the heat elsewhere this summer
Barton was not brought back by the new regime. He signed with the Denver Broncos and performed well above expectations. This landed him a three-year, $21 million deal with the Tennessee Titans, and even though his production was decent enough last season, Moe Moton of The Bleacher Report thought his future is precarious this summer with head coach Robert Saleh leading the charge.
"Despite Cody Barton's solid first year with the Tennessee Titans, logging 81 tackles (four for loss), 11 pass breakups and three interceptions, he may not be a fit within defensive-minded head coach Robert Saleh's system.
"Saleh will call plays in Tennessee, and he usually fields athletic linebackers in the middle of his defenses (see Fred Warner in San Francisco and C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams with the New York Jets). The Titans drafted Anthony Hill Jr. in the second round, and he could push Barton for the starting spot alongside Cedric Gray."
This should be nothing new for Barton. He's had his back against the wall for years, so he's well-versed in overcoming adversity. But with an $8.23 million salary cap hit next season, the former Utah standout must prove himself all over again.
While it doesn't make much financial sense to dispose of Barton right now, he shouldn't take anything for granted. This takes on greater significance after Tennessee spent a second-round pick on Anthony Hill Jr., who had a top-10 projection before his final college campaign at Texas. He's got the physical tools; it's just a case of the rookie being more disciplined.
As for the Commanders? The linebacker spot should be a significant strength. Free-agent signing Leo Chenal and No. 7 pick Sonny Styles go alongside Frankie Luvu and Jordan Magee. They will be fast, physical, and aggressive within defensive coordinator Daronte Jones' schematic concepts. And it's a far cry from the options available in Washington during Rivera's tenure.
Barton never fit in, but he should have a role to play for the Titans next season. What comes after that is less clear, so the urgency should be high for the 29-year-old in what could be a make-or-break campaign.
The heat is on, which is nothing new.
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