Barton Has 'Fit In Real Well' For Defense

Originally posted on FanNation Washington Football
By Nathaniel Marrero | Last updated 9/10/23

Cody Barton is already making a positive impact on the Washington Commanders' defense.

The Commanders signed the fifth-year linebacker to a one-year deal this offseason. Barton spent his first four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. Thus far, both on and off the field, he has impressed Washington defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio.

“I think he's fit in real well," Del Rio said. "Cody's done a nice job, he's a super bright guy, plays with a lot of energy, doing very well for us.”

Barton is coming off the best season of his young career. He set career-highs in tackles (136), tackles-for-loss (4), and passes defended (6). His play in 2022 impressed Del Rio, and he believes the linebacker may only be scratching the surface of his potential.

“We studied the tape, looked at some of the things that we're looking for and he had that," Del Rio said. "I mean, he can run, he's got some size, his brain works, he's a good pro, you know, it's important that the brain works. But I mean, he's really a guy that we felt like we could develop, continue to develop. He's a younger player that's early in his career and he's hungry to be a real good player. So, he is working hard at it.”

The linebacker position is a question mark for the Commanders. Washington is clearly banking on the development of Jamin Davis as he enters his third season as a pro. If Barton can play on the same level he played at in his last season as a Seahawk, he'll make an already strong Commanders defense even better.

Washington begins its season tomorrow when it hosts the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on FanNation Washington Football and was syndicated with permission.

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