The Dallas Cowboys are exploring ways to upgrade their linebacker corps, and Cody Barton of the Tennessee Titans could present the perfect trade opportunity, especially as teams undergoing defensive overhauls look to move veteran players.
Early in this offseason, the Cowboys sent defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa to the 49ers for a third-round pick, a move highlighting how talented players can quickly become trade bait when a team shifts to a new defensive scheme like a 3-4 alignment.
The Cowboys‘ need for a starting MIKE linebacker has been apparent since 2023, and targeting players in transitional systems allows them to find value, as other teams adjust under new coaching philosophies that may not fit every player.
Ben Arthur of Fox Sports points to the Titans’ linebacker Cody Barton as a prime candidate for Dallas, noting that acquiring an experienced player comfortable with green-dot responsibilities could significantly aid first-time defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
“The Cowboys have prioritized adding veteran starters to what was a bad defense last season,” Arthur said. “Trading for edge rusher Rashan Gary and signing safety Jalen Thompson in free agency. An experienced MIKE linebacker who’s comfortable with green dot responsibilities would further support first-time defensive coordinator Christian Parker.”
Barton carries a three-year, $21 million contract, which remains well within the Cowboys‘ capacity, considering their recent aggressive pursuit of linebackers like Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean in free agency, even though other teams ultimately won those bids.
Although Barton has changed teams frequently, marking four teams in four years, he provides veteran experience at a position where Dallas has struggled, similar to the past challenges faced with players like Eric Kendricks and Kenneth Murray.
Pro Football Focus rated Barton with a 52.5 grade last season, ranking 68th out of 88 linebackers, suggesting he is far from elite, yet he remains one of the few veteran options potentially available for a trade, likely for a modest draft price.
Rumors suggest the Cowboys could also explore linebackers like Patrick Queen, Jordyn Brooks, or Azeez Al-Shaair, though those trades would likely require premium draft picks, whereas Barton could perhaps be acquired for two fifth-round selections.
Is George Pickens set to exit Dallas Cowboys?
The Cowboys and wide receiver George Pickens remain at an impasse over a contract, with the Jaylen Waddle trade providing context for potential compensation, hinting at what a first-round pick might cost if the team chose to trade Pickens.
Pickens currently holds a franchise tag, meaning the team must either reach a new deal or consider moving him, a situation complicated by timing, market interest, and the precedent set by Waddle’s trade to the Denver Broncos.
“Tuesday provided some overall context for the proverbial price for George Pickens,” RJ Ochoa of Blogging the Boys reports. “Should the Dallas Cowboys be interested in trading him. The first-round pick that Miami is receiving is 30th overall and that is clearly the main variable involved with the trade.”
The Waddle deal involved a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 first-round selection, giving the Cowboys tangible insight into what other teams might offer for a similarly productive receiver in Pickens, influencing both negotiations and potential trade discussions.
Dallas hopes that adding Barton via trade could stabilize the linebacker position while allowing the team to focus on contract resolutions like Pickens‘ or targeting other draft assets to strengthen the roster across multiple areas.
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