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Five and a half hours later, we have our first Seattle Seahawks-related news item of the 2023 NFL free agency period.
According to Tom Pelissero at NFL Network, the Washington Commanders are signing former Seattle linebacker Cody Barton to a one-year, fully guaranteed deal.
The #Commanders are signing former #Seahawks LB Cody Barton to a one-year, fully guaranteed deal, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 13, 2023
Barton was a third-round pick by the Seahawks in the 2019 NFL draft. He only started five games all together during his first three years in the league but finally got his chance to start full-time last season, taking over Bobby Wagner’s former spot. Barton totaled 136 combined tackles but only got average grades all around from PFF for his efforts.
With Barton out of the picture, Seattle will be even moreso in the market for linebacker help. Re-signing promising backup Tanner Muse would help make up for the loss of Barton, but bringing Wagner back is the one move that can improve this defense more than any other.