Cody Barton

Career StatsB

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		112	539	4.5	8
2025		17	81	1.0	3
2024		17	106	1.5	2
2023		13

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Cody Barton delivered the kind of production that earns a B Contract Value Index relative to the LB pay band. At $7M AAV over three years, Barton's deal reflects a mature-phase starter whose floor is stable and whose ceiling is defined—a realistic calibration for a 29-year-old linebacker entering his eighth season who logged 81 tackles, 1 sack, and 3 interceptions across 17 games in 2025. His B performance grade aligns cleanly with that compensation tier: he's neither overpaid nor a bargain, but rather a dependable interior defender whose recent highlight moments—the 11-yard sack against Houston that forced a turnover on downs—have validated his standing as a clutch operator in the film room's eyes. The CVI reflects a linebacker market that has become stratified between elite coverage specialists commanding premium money and depth rotational pieces earning well below $5M; Barton sits squarely in the mid-tier starter band, where professionalism and locker-room credibility matter as much as pure production volume. His elevation to team captain is perhaps the strongest indicator that the Titans view his value as cultural and positional stability in a rebuilding phase, even as the recent signings of younger linebacker and defensive line options (Anthony Hill Jr., Keldric Faulk) introduce legitimate depth-chart competition. The three-year structure poses minimal cap risk for Tennessee given the franchise's current rebuild trajectory, and his B sentiment grade—buoyed by quiet appreciation rather than star-level fanfare—suggests he remains a foundational piece without commanding a premium asset designation in trade discussions.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the B band — a quick read on where Cody's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Cody Barton enters his seventh NFL season as a proven coverage linebacker with a reputation built on reliability and range. His overall B grade reflects steady, above-average play rather than a Pro Bowl ceiling. Among starting inside linebackers, he occupies a respectable middle tier — a trustworthy contributor on competitive rosters. Barton's most striking current-season stat is his pass breakups rate of 0.65 per game, which clears the elite threshold of 0.50 and nearly quadruples the NFL average of 0.18. That coverage instinct is his calling card and separates him from purely run-stopping linebackers. His tackle rate of 4.76 per game also exceeds the NFL average of 2.19, reinforcing his high-volume presence. The concern lies in pass rush production — 0.06 sacks per game against a league average of 0.15 — and a TFL rate of 0.24 that trails the NFL norm of 0.27. Barton's grade trajectory tells a promising story — he climbed from a C+ in 2023 to a B- in 2024, and his current 2025 rating holds at B-, suggesting stabilization rather than decline. If his coverage metrics sustain at this elite level, a legitimate B+ ceiling is achievable. Watch whether Tennessee deploys him more aggressively in the box, which could unlock his tackle volume while masking his pass-rush limitations.

How Cody Compares at the Position

Cody Barton ranks 68th of 338 graded linebackers by performance. That slots Cody between Logan Wilson (B) just ahead and Jonathan Greenard (B) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Cody Barton enters 2026 as a depth linebacker facing meaningful roster uncertainty in Tennessee. While recent game highlights showcase occasional impact plays—including a notable 11-yard sack forcing a turnover on downs—media coverage reflects broader questions about his coverage reliability and long-term role. The emergence of rookie Anthony Hill and reported trade speculation suggest the Titans may be exploring alternatives at the position, signaling limited confidence in Barton's future with the franchise. His $7M annual salary and seven-year tenure position him as a veteran backup rather than a core defensive piece, and current perception reflects that marginal status. Barton's 2026 outlook depends heavily on whether Tennessee commits to him or pursues younger talent, a decision that will likely be resolved before the season begins.