Commanders New LB Cody Barton Prioritized Being 'Starting MIKE' in Free Agency

New Washington Commanders linebacker wanted the opportunity to be a starting MIKE when he left the Seattle Seahawks and believes he's found that opportunity.

New Washington Commanders linebacker Cody Barton has played in all but one regular season game in his four NFL seasons, all for the Seattle Seahawks. 

In only one of those seasons did he play even 190 snaps on defense, and it only took that one for the Commanders to find a reason to make him part of this year's free-agent class. 

While many Washington fans were likely unfamiliar with Barton, he wasn't aware that he was about to get to know them until the first day of legal tampering.

"Honestly, I wasn't expecting Washington," Barton said. "After this last season, I wanted to be somewhere where I could be a starting MIKE and flourish in that position, and they expressed their interest and their belief in me in that position...I felt really good about it...it feels really good to have people come after you who believe in you."

Monday is when the Commanders called Barton's agent to express their interest and belief that he could be a part of what the team wants to do moving forward. 

Later in the week, more news broke that last year's starting MIKE Cole Holcomb was signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and suddenly it all started to make more sense.

Washington went out in search of a new MIKE linebacker because they were going to need one. 

It was a perfect case for both sides as the Commanders fill a need, and Barton gets a chance to find his comfort zone.

"I feel I play my best ball at MIKE, and I feel most comfortable at MIKE," says Barton. "I take pride in being smart on the field, and taking control of things and communicating. You know, I just feel really good at MIKE."

Of course, the desire to play a position is only part of the equation. 

William Jackson III wanted to play cornerback for Washington, but the scheme and his abilities within it just didn't fit at the end of the day. 

This union will hopefully go better. 

And like all new relationships start out, Barton feels good about this one.

"I like it a lot," Barton said. "Hell of a defense, really good players, and I'm really excited to play behind this (defensive line)."

Who could blame him?

Any linebacker would love to play behind the likes of defensive linemen Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, and Montez Sweat.

But the Commanders are hoping Barton won't just play behind them but elevate the play of those around him. 

That is where the true measure of success or failure will come from this latest Washington acquisition.

Find David Harrison on Twitter @DHarrison82 and on the Locked On Commanders podcast.

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