The Denver Broncos have been among the quietest teams in the first several hours of the legal tampering process. While they waited for big moves to go their way, the Broncos lost a key defensive player they could have gotten to return.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports that free-agent middle linebacker Cody Barton will be signing with the Tennessee Titans. Barton will sign a three-year, $21 million deal with the Titans.
Barton was one of the more active players for the Broncos’ defense in his only season with the Broncos. He accounted for 106 total tackles, 53 solo tackles, five pass breakups, two interceptions, two tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. He has accumulated over 100 total tackles in each of the last three seasons.
Barton will be playing for his fourth team in four seasons. There were clear indications that Barton and the Broncos would’ve liked to talk more about an extension, but it is unclear what led to the delay.
The Titans get a reliable tackler in Barton, who was graded at 79.9 in run defense last season (28th in the league among linebackers), according to Pro Football Focus. Tennessee’s defense ranked 26th in the league in rush defense.
The Broncos, meanwhile, have a big hole to fill in the middle of their defense. Third-year veteran Drew Sanders is the next player projected to start after Barton’s departure. Sanders only played in four games last season after returning from a torn Achilles tendon he suffered in April. He played in all 17 games of his rookie season while starting in four games.
