The San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders made a trade ahead of the NFL Trade Deadline, and now a former Commanders linebacker could be of use to them next season. The 49ers are in need of a linebacker following Dre Greenlaw’s Achilles injury, and it is unclear how long he will be out for.
Gary Davenport, writing for Bleacher Report, has suggested that Cody Barton, a former Commanders linebacker, could be a valuable addition for the 49ers. With the team currently -$11.9 million in cap space, Barton could be a cost-effective option. He has had two successful seasons, with 120 tackles in each, and is an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Barton could provide depth for the 49ers as he returns from injury, and his previous experience with the Commanders could make him a good fit. Although the Commanders had a poor season in 2023, new head coach Dan Quinn is highly respected in the league, and this could bode well for Barton’s future with the team.
Dallas Cowboys player Micah Parsons has praised Quinn’s coaching abilities and urged other players to appreciate his presence. If Barton were to return to the Commanders, he could benefit from Quinn’s expertise and help the team improve their record.
To retain a player like Barton, who possesses great defensive skills, having a respected defensive coach could be beneficial for the Commanders.
Replacing Dre Greenlaw will be a major challenge for the San Francisco 49ers this offseason, along with other issues such as the potential trade of Brandon Aiyuk. However, there are early positive signs of Greenlaw’s recovery after successful surgery to repair his torn Achilles.
As for the 49ers, they may consider Barton as an option. On the other hand, the Washington Commanders, who struggled defensively last season, will need to focus on adding affordable defensive players to their roster.
