After selecting Anthony Hill Jr. in the second round of this year’s draft, the latest Cody Barton trade rumors could intensify during the summer if he impresses at workouts. The Titans selected Hill despite Barton having a solid 2025 campaign, recording 81 tackles (four for loss), one sack, 11 pass breakups, three interceptions and allowed a passer rating of 67.1 in coverage. Barton, a former third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, broke out as a long-term, reliable linebacker after his lone stint in 2024 with the Denver Broncos. According to Bleacher Report, Moe Moton believes that since the Titans are under new leadership, there could be interest in moving the former third-rounder.
The Titans hired Robert Saleh as their new head coach, which means the team could be looking to revamp the entire linebacker group, and they’ve already made steps to do just that. While the linebacker’s contract doesn’t expire until after the 2027 season, the team could explore a trade. They might not even demand a massive return, especially since, reportedly, Saleh prefers much more athletic linebackers, and the current starter might not fit into that category.
It’ll be interesting if the Titans decide to sign a veteran linebacker in the likes of Bobby Wagner, Kyle Van Noy or Matt Milano before the 2026 season. None of these names are no longer in their prime, but if the Titans grab any of these players, it’ll be interesting to see what they do with Barton.
Cody Barton Trade Rumors: 3 Fits for $21M Star Linebacker
While his 2025 production boosts his trade value, the linebacker doesn’t play a premium position. He’s barely scratching the surface in a high-stakes role, but he’s still a reliable rotating linebacker that teams would appreciate. Still, the linebacker won’t haul in the best return, but these three teams could make an offer for him.
Possible Fits
Carolina Panthers
Despite being aggressive this offseason and adding both Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd to boost the linebacker room, the Carolina Panthers might not be finished. Former 2025 draft pick Nic Scourton is stepping into a larger role this upcoming season, but with Trevin Wallace, they could use a rotating linebacker like Barton to assist them. The Panthers have been building one of the most underrated defenses since the Cam Newton era, but they shouldn’t ignore adding depth.
Last offseason, the team added Tershawn Wharton, who is now slowly coming back from injury, and brought in star safety Tre’Von Moehrig. The last thing the Panthers need is injuries stopping their momentum. While the Titans LB won’t get a massive role, his presence could be needed in situational moments of making plays down the field.
Chicago Bears
After the Bears lost veteran Tremaine Edmunds to New York, the team added Devin Bush, but there’s still some concern about their pass-rushing needs. Montez Sweat is arguably the lone man in that defensive line who can guide the unit, and even though they have Bush now, he’s still going to need to adjust to the new Bears culture. Even though they brought back Jack Sanborn, he hasn’t shown that he was the same during his tenure in 2025 when he joined the Dallas Cowboys.
Maybe Barton could serve as an anchor behind D’Marco Jackson and TJ Edwards, especially with this linebacker group needing a new veteran voice.
Kansas City Chiefs
While the most brutal losses for the Kansas City Chiefs have been in the secondary room, the team is probably paying a price for not extending Leo Chenal, who left for the Washington Commanders. However, the team retained Drue Tranquill and Nick Bolton, but this also means that Cole Christiansen will need to step up. Why do that when you have a veteran like Barton ready to produce at a high-level in more of a rotating role with Christiansen?
It’d greatly benefit this defense that struggled in pass coverages despite Bolton leading with 154 total tackles.
