The Denver Broncos are staring down training camp less than two weeks out, and the inside linebacker spot is screaming for attention. They brought back Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad this offseason, sure, but after letting Dre Greenlaw walk, the wiggle room for error is practically zero. You’ve got seventh-round pick Red Murdock in the mix, but beyond him? It’s a bunch of young, totally unproven undrafted free agents. Seriously, that’s their depth.
The Linebacker Room Needs a Jolt, Like, Yesterday
Look, the Broncos might be trying to wait it out, to see if this young crew can magically gel before they make a move. Or maybe, just maybe, they’re actually satisfied with what they’ve got. But honestly, how can anyone argue they don’t need more depth? It’s a critical position, especially with how offenses are pushing the ball all over the field these days. There are a few free agent vets still floating around, but a trade might be the smarter play here, especially for a familiar face.
Cody Barton’s Return Could Be the Missing Piece
Enter Cody Barton. The dude spent the 2024 season with the Broncos and actually put up a solid year. Now, as Moe Moton from Bleacher Report points out, the Tennessee Titans might be looking to shop him. Why? They just drafted linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. in the second round, and Cedric Gray is probably their starter. If Hill picks up head coach Robert Saleh’s scheme fast in camp, Barton could easily drop to the No. 3 spot for them, making him expendable. That means he could hit the trade block, and after logging 81 tackles, four for loss, three interceptions, and 11 pass breakups last season, he’s definitely going to draw interest. When Barton was a Bronco in 2024, he racked up 106 tackles, 1.15 sacks, a fumble recovery he returned for a touchdown, and two interceptions. Those are numbers that jump off the page!
If the Broncos were to pull the trigger, Barton would probably start as the No. 3 linebacker here too, at least initially. But man, that would instantly crank up the confidence in the depth behind Singleton and Strnad. The best part? The word is he could be had for just a late-round draft pick. That’s a sensible idea, a real steal for the kind of production he brings. If the Broncos aren’t going to go big-game hunting for someone like Bobby Wagner or Bobby Okereke before the season kicks off, then bringing back Barton has to be one of the smartest moves they could make to fix this inside linebacker headache.
Training camp is right around the corner. The clock is ticking for the Broncos to make a decision about this linebacker room. Will they trust the youngsters, or will they make a smart, affordable move for a proven vet like Barton? We’re about to find out!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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