Commanders Sign Seahawks LB Cody Barton; Top Tackler Coming?

Cody Barton had a banner year for the Seattle Seahawks in 2022. Now, he signs with the Washington Commanders as the likely starter at middle linebacker in 2023.

The Washington Commanders are adding to their linebacker room.

According to NFL Network, the Commanders are signing former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Cody Barton to a one-year deal worth $3.5 million. He can earn up to $1 million this season in incentives.

Barton, a third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, became a starter at the position in 2022 and put together a solid season.

After totaling just 95 tackles in his first three seasons combined, Barton recorded 136 total tackles in 2022, good for 15th-most in the NFL. He also recorded two sacks, six passes defended and two interceptions.

Barton, 26, now joins an impressive Commanders defense in need of a linebacker. The team neglected to sign Cole Holcomb, who joined the Pittsburgh Steelers. Washington does employ Jon Bostic, but Barton is an upgrade and would likely be the starter if the team didn't make any more additions at middle linebacker.

Washington allowed the third-fewest yards per game (304.6) last season, which ranked only behind the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, who met in the NFC Championship. Washington also allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards per game (191.3). And with Barton showing flashes of productive coverage ability as a linebacker after snagging two interceptions in a three-game span this past season, the Commanders could have an even better defense in 2023.

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