Did the Titans just find their next Will Compton who traded in some of his humor to be better at football?

Tennessee added him to be something of a tentpole in the ILB room, where he’s currently the only sure-thing alongside a young nucleus of backers the Titans are banking on someone emerging from. His 2024 season was solid, tallying 106 total tackles, 1.5 sacks and 2 interceptions.

And at the podium, he’s a funny dude.

You never quite know what the player-media relationship will be when new rookies or free agents are available for the first time. Obviously, we’re always hoping the guy is at least well-spoken. And a healthy dose of personality is the cherry on top. The more the merrier, since it makes our jobs easier. And it was immediately clear in talking to Barton that this guy is going to be fun to hear from in 2025.

Watch the video above if you want to hear all of his sarcastic quips from Tuesday. Objectively, he might not be headlining comedy clubs any time soon. But the effort is endearing, and his high-energy attitude is infectious. Hard to imagine what he brings off the field as a locker room guy isn’t part of the appeal of the new Titans starter.

I walked out of that presser and couldn’t help but think: “that’s how Will Compton felt when he was in Tennessee.”

Compton, now of Bussin’ With The Boys fame, spent seemingly every minute of his two years with the Titans being an entertainer. Barton and Compton are both, as Will would say, high energy “milk check” linebackers.

And if comparing Barton to Compton doesn’t exactly inspire a ton of confidence regarding the actual football this team has to play, don’t read into the comparison that hard. Compton is clearly funnier. He’s made a massive career off of his personality. But what Barton lacks in comedy chops, he makes up for on the actual football field. Sorry, Will.