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\ud83d\udea8 COWBOYS TARGET CODY BARTON: Could the Titans Linebacker Be the Missing Piece?\ud83d\udc47<\/strong><\/p>\n As the Dallas Cowboys<\/strong> continue their offseason overhaul, finding a solution at middle linebacker<\/strong> remains a top priority. The team\u2019s recent scheme change, transitioning to a 3-4 base defense<\/strong>, has already seen the departure of defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa<\/strong>, and the Cowboys are now looking to make moves to shore up their linebacker corps. One name that has emerged as a potential trade target is Cody Barton<\/strong>, the veteran linebacker from the Tennessee Titans<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The Tennessee Titans<\/strong>, under new coach Robert Saleh<\/strong>, are undergoing their own defensive transition. Saleh<\/strong>, a former defensive coordinator who had a somewhat tumultuous stint as head coach of the New York Jets, is bringing a new system to Nashville. As the Titans implement their changes, some players could become expendable, and Cody Barton<\/strong>, who has struggled to find consistency in his previous stints, could be one of them.<\/p>\n Barton, who has bounced around the league over the past few years, has been with the Titans<\/strong> for one season, following stints with Seattle<\/strong> and other teams<\/strong>. Barton\u2019s role in Saleh\u2019s system is uncertain, and this uncertainty might make him an ideal target for the Cowboys, who have been looking to bolster their linebacker corps.<\/p>\n Ben Arthur<\/strong> of Fox Sports<\/strong> notes that the Cowboys\u2019 need for a middle linebacker (MIKE) has been apparent since 2023<\/strong>. The team has prioritized adding veteran talent<\/strong> to its defense, bringing in players like Rashan Gary<\/strong> (edge rusher) and Jalen Thompson<\/strong> (safety) this offseason. But with a still glaring void at linebacker, the Cowboys<\/strong> could see Barton as the ideal candidate to step in and provide immediate help.<\/p>\n Arthur<\/strong> highlights that Barton<\/strong> would be an experienced starter<\/strong> who is comfortable with green dot responsibilities<\/strong> \u2014 the role of calling defensive signals and helping to organize the unit, a task that\u2019s critical for the Cowboys\u2019 defense as they continue to adapt to their new coordinator, Christian Parker<\/strong>.<\/p>\n While Barton does have the experience the Cowboys need<\/strong>, it\u2019s important to note that his performance hasn\u2019t exactly turned heads. Pro Football Focus<\/strong> gave Barton a 52.5 grade<\/strong> last season, ranking him 68th out of 88 linebackers<\/strong> at his position. Despite this, Barton\u2019s resume still includes multiple years of starting experience, making him a viable option for teams like the Cowboys who need an upgrade at linebacker without breaking the bank for a top-tier player.<\/p>\n Cody Barton<\/strong> is entering his fourth team in as many years<\/strong>, which raises questions about his stability and ability to contribute consistently. He signed a three-year, $21 million contract<\/strong> with the Titans<\/strong> last offseason, but his time in Tennessee could be short-lived, especially if the team is rebuilding under Saleh\u2019s system. Barton is a classic example of a veteran who could be on the move again<\/strong>, potentially becoming a cost-effective trade option<\/strong> for Dallas.<\/p>\n The Cowboys\u2019 recent struggles at linebacker have been well-documented, with several high-profile signings that ultimately didn\u2019t pan out. Eric Kendricks<\/strong>, Kenneth Murray<\/strong>, and Logan Wilson<\/strong> are just a few names that didn\u2019t live up to expectations, leaving the Cowboys in a continual search for reliable playmakers at the position.<\/p>\n While Barton<\/strong> may not be a game-changer like some of the other names the Cowboys have targeted, he would bring veteran leadership and a steady presence to a unit that has struggled to find consistency. He is, after all, still a starter<\/strong> in the league and could bring some much-needed depth to the Cowboys\u2019 linebacking corps.<\/p>\n Barton\u2019s three-year contract<\/strong> is manageable for the Cowboys, and he could be acquired for a relatively low price<\/strong>. Considering the Cowboys have three fifth-round picks<\/strong> in the upcoming draft, two of those picks<\/strong> might be enough to land Barton, making him a low-risk, high-reward addition to their defense.<\/p>\n Moreover, while other linebackers like Patrick Queen<\/strong> of the Steelers<\/strong>, Jordyn Brooks<\/strong> of the Dolphins<\/strong>, and Azeez Al-Shaair<\/strong> of the Texans<\/strong> have been mentioned as potential trade targets, Barton<\/strong> represents a more affordable option<\/strong> for the Cowboys. Those other players would likely command premium pick packages<\/strong>, but Barton could be available for much less, allowing the Cowboys to continue building their roster without sacrificing too much capital.<\/p>\n While Barton<\/strong> could be a solid short-term fix for the Cowboys, it\u2019s important to note that the team still plans to address the linebacker position in the draft<\/strong>. The addition of Barton<\/strong> would be an immediate solution, but the Cowboys likely view him as a bridge to a future linebacker who can be a more permanent fixture in the defense.<\/p>\n The hope is that Barton\u2019s leadership and experience can help stabilize the position in the short term, while the team develops a younger linebacker who can eventually take over the reins and become a long-term solution for the Cowboys\u2019 defense.<\/p>\n As the Cowboys continue to search for ways to improve their defense, Cody Barton<\/strong> could be a smart, low-cost addition<\/strong> to their linebacking corps. While he may not be the flashiest option<\/strong>, Barton provides veteran experience<\/strong>, solid tackling ability, and leadership at a position that has been a weak point for Dallas<\/strong> in recent seasons.<\/p>\n With the Cowboys focusing on both the immediate future and long-term success<\/strong>, Barton could fill an important role as they continue to transition under defensive coordinator Christian Parker<\/strong>. A trade for Barton could be just the right move<\/strong> to help the C<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \ud83d\udea8 COWBOYS TARGET CODY BARTON: Could the Titans Linebacker Be the Missing Piece?\ud83d\udc47 As the Dallas Cowboys continue their offseason overhaul, finding a solution at middle linebacker… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":168207,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-168204","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nfl"],"yoast_head":"\nA Changing Landscape in Tennessee<\/h3>\n
Cowboys’ Long-Standing Linebacker Need<\/h3>\n
A Mixed Track Record for Barton<\/h3>\n
The Cowboys’ Recent Failures at Linebacker<\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nBarton\u2019s Potential Trade Value<\/h3>\n
Long-Term Plans at Linebacker<\/h3>\n
Conclusion: A Smart, Low-Cost Addition?<\/h3>\n