The Dallas Cowboys revamped their linebacker corps this offseason, but have they done enough? If not, Cody Barton's apparently shaky standing with the Tennessee Titans may present another opportunity to strike.
Barton could be expendable and profiles as a sneaky possible target for the Cowboys. He was one of 14 players mentioned on Ben Solak of ESPN's list of "veterans on the hot seat" after the 2026 NFL Draft. That's because the Titans traded up to select former Texas star Anthony Hill Jr. in the second round.
Hill's a more natural fit to assume Barton's off-ball role than to take on budding positional teammate Cedric Gray's weakside responsibilities, as Solak highlighted. So, if the rebuilding Titans elect to move forward with the two younger options, it makes sense to explore adding the odd man out.
"If Barton is indeed shelved for Hill, expect trade calls," Solak wrote.
Cody Barton's murky status with Titans could give the Dallas Cowboys another capable LB
By the sound of it, Barton's very much a candidate for a change of scenery. His age (turning 30 in November) doesn't align with the Titans' timeline, though he can provide value elsewhere. Meanwhile, Dallas stands out as a potential landing spot.
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones has openly stated the club is "still building the [linebacker] room." He notably said this after taking Michigan product Jaishawn Barham in Round 3 this year and acquiring Dee Winters from the San Francisco 49ers. With that in mind, Barton's questionable outlook with the Titans is a situation worth monitoring.
Tennessee signed Barton to a three-year, $21 million contract in free agency last March. The Utah native quickly established himself as a key contributor and a respected locker room leader. He was one of seven captains voted by his Titans comrades and impressively logged a 100 percent defensive snap share across 17 games in 2025.
While Barton isn't a household name or the most talented guy, he's battle-tested, reliable, and under contract. His versatility and experience as a vocal presence for the Titans are also useful, especially for a Cowboys squad with perpetual playoff aspirations.
In his inaugural campaign with the Titans, Barton posted 81 tackles (four for loss), 11 pass deflections and three interceptions, returning one for a pick-six. He also recorded a sack and a quarterback hit.
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