6 Commanders likely embarking on their final game with the team in Week 18
By Dean Jones
Cody Barton - Commanders LB
One of the biggest failings of Ron Rivera's time with the Washington Commanders centers on the position he used to play. The franchise hasn't prioritized the linebacking core effectively. Jamin Davis was their only real investment, which brought expected complications throughout another season of abject failure in 2023.
The Commanders opted to let Cole Holcomb walk in free agency after signing Cody Barton. This was seen as a like-for-like replacement and even a potential upgrade considering the new arrival was coming off the best campaign of his pro career with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022.
Barton's veteran presence and ascending on-field performances brought hope. It didn't take long to realize this wasn't going to work out despite the player's best efforts.
The former third-round pick looked sluggish in run support early on and offered almost nothing in coverage. Barton was benched soon after. When reinstalled into the lineup it was a little better, but not enough to warrant a longer-term commitment from the organization with so many changes on the immediate horizons.
Things don't look especially promising for Barton. He'll remain professional and strive to finish his season on a high. What comes after that is out of his hands, but don't be shocked if the Utah product is allowed to test the market when the time comes.