Mile High Report
One of the biggest needs for the Broncos defense in the offseson is middle linebacker. Barton could be an option.
The Denver Broncos defense is in major need of a middle linebacker.
And it seems that’s been the case since Al Wilson. Yes, there have been some who have come through Denver since Wilson’s time, like Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall, to name a few, but there are no real standout, dominating middle linebackers.
Age: 28 | Experience: 6th | Height: 6’2” | Weight: 237 pounds
Enter Cody Barton, who spent his first season with the Broncos in 2024 and is now a free agent. Barton finished the 2024 season with 106 total tackles (53 solo) with 1.5 sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
Given the injury to Alex Singleton, Barton stepped up when Denver needed him and filled in adequately.
Given the need for the position, what the Broncos do with Barton will be fascinating.
The six-year veteran knows the Denver defense. He knows what Vance Joseph and the rest of the coaches are looking for. Given another year in this defense, Barton could improve on what he did in 2024.
There is something to be said about continuity with the players as well. Getting this first season out of the way will allow Barton and his teammates to know each other, what they do well, and how they can improve.
And 2024 was a decent season for Barton.
He netted his third straight season of at least 100 tackles and played a hand in a few turnovers.
There’s no doubt Barton has areas to improve on, such as coverage, missed assignments in running game defense, and missed tackles. But Barton is a serviceable piece at middle linebacker for the Broncos.
As noted above, Barton was serviceable. That’s a nice way to say “meh.”
He wasn’t great and wasn’t terrible, though he certainly had moments last season of looking terrible.
In other words, Sean Payton and Denver need to upgrade the middle linebacker position in the offseason. While continuity is fine, Barton has hit his ceiling, and the floor is way lower for him. Above all, the Broncos need consistency and the ability to cover at this key position. Barton provides neither. To be honest, neither does Alex Singleton nor Justin Strnad.
So, Denver must address this need, whether via NFL free agency or the NFL Draft. Zack Baun and Nick Bolton are a few guys who could potentially step in.
Baun could be a natural target since Payton drafted him to the New Orleans Saints. Of course, he would have to hit free agency first, but there is a connection there. Baun has been phenomenal for the Philadelphia Eagles this season, especially in the playoffs.
Bolton, who is only 24, is known to the Broncos because he’s been with the [Kansas...
