Grading the Commanders' latest four moves including Michael Davis signing
By Dean Jones
Commanders let Cody Barton walk
Adam Peters wasted no time in prioritizing the linebacker positions this offseason. To say this was sorely needed and welcome in equal measure would be a huge understatement. Something that should provide an extra sense of stability to the team's defensive second level in 2024.
Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner have the credentials to hit the ground running. Anthony Pittman is a solid special teamer and depth piece. Although listed as a safety, expect to see do-it-all defender Jeremy Chinn closer to the line of scrimmage following his move from the Carolina Panthers.
Of course, this left Cody Barton on the outside looking in. Last year's free-agent signing couldn't reach the required standard, looked sluggish against the run, and just seemed off the pace for the most part en route to an underwhelming campaign.
The Commanders had no option other than to let Barton walk after his indifferent season. He got another gig quickly, signing for the Denver Broncos as a potential replacement for Josey Jewell, who joined the Panthers to reunite with Ejiro Evero.
Grade: A+
Barton was another swing and a miss by previous head coach Ron Rivera at the linebacker spot. This became an ongoing and frustrating theme throughout his tenure. It was a mistake Peters and Dan Quinn were not going to make.