4 Commanders who could be one and done with the team in 2023
By Dean Jones
Cody Barton - Commanders LB
Not addressing the linebacking corps with the urgency it deserved this offseason has almost been a complete turnaround from head coach Ron Rivera. His time with the Carolina Panthers was littered with elite production at the defensive second level as Luke Kuechly ad Thomas Davis spearheaded some of the franchise's best moments in the mid-2010s.
It's been nothing like this consistency with the Washington Commanders. The team did spend a first-rounder on Jamin Davis, but the appointment of defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio came with plenty of two-linebacker sets that could increase further after some significant investment in the secondary during the 2023 NFL Draft.
One notable arrival to the linebacker room was Cody Barton. He appears to be a like-for-like replacement for Cole Holcomb, who left in free agency to join Mike Tomin and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The former third-round pick out of Utah is coming off a career-best campaign with the Seattle Seahawks. Barton also looks to have the athletic profile needed to impact Washington's defense on a three-down basis if everything goes well.
Barton might not be the most dynamic, but he is disciplined, patient, and a strong tackling force. These are traits that should fit in well with a Commanders' defense of which much is expected in 2023.
There is a chance that Barton cannot make an impression. In that instance, next season will be his first and last in Washington before hitting free agency once again next spring.