The Dallas Cowboys, desperate to shore up their struggling defense, are reportedly eyeing a blockbuster trade for Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Cody Barton, a move that could send ripples through the AFC South as the NFL trade deadline looms on November 4, 2025. With the Titans mired in a dismal 1-6 season and poised for a potential fire sale after firing head coach Brian Callahan, Barton emerges as a prime trade candidate—and a potential game-changer for Dallas.
At 28 years old, Barton is in the first year of a cost-effective three-year, $21 million contract, making him an attractive asset for playoff-contending teams. His resume speaks volumes: three consecutive seasons with over 100 tackles across three different teams. In 2024 alone, while with the Denver Broncos, Barton posted an impressive stat line of 106 tackles, 2 interceptions, 5 pass deflections, 2.0 tackles for loss (TFL), 1.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. This versatility and production make him a hot commodity.
Barton’s journey began as a third-round pick (No. 88 overall) by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Utah, where he spent three seasons backing up future Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner. He emerged as a full-time starter in 2022, racking up 136 tackles, 2 interceptions, 2.0 sacks, 4 TFL, and 6 pass deflections. In 2023, Barton signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Washington Commanders, delivering 121 tackles in 13 starts. His 2024 stint with the Broncos, on a one-year, $2.5 million contract, further cemented his reputation as a high-volume producer.
The Cowboys’ defense has been their Achilles’ heel in 2025, standing as the primary obstacle to their playoff aspirations. Despite boasting one of the NFL’s most potent offenses, led by MVP candidate Dak Prescott, Dallas has struggled to stop opponents. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox suggests that acquiring Barton—potentially for a 2026 fifth-round pick, though a fourth-rounder has been floated—could be a pivotal move. Paired with the return of linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, Barton could transform the Cowboys’ front seven.
Knox noted on October 22, “Tennessee is in a tough spot … and if it truly is willing to move almost any player on its roster, Barton would be one of its most attractive trade chips. The 28-year-old has 102 games and 50 starts on his resume, and he’s been a productive starter in his last few stops—he already has 42 tackles and two interceptions this season. More than a few teams could use help at linebacker, whether due to injuries or flat-out poor play.”
The Titans’ 1-6 start, coupled with their No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, signals a franchise in rebuild mode. With Callahan out and the trade deadline approaching, Tennessee appears ready to offload talent, making Barton a prime candidate to be moved. Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos, who boast the NFL’s top-ranked defense in 2025, reportedly regret letting Barton walk in free agency. Their loss could be Dallas’ gain, as Barton’s ability to anchor a linebacker corps could address the Cowboys’ defensive woes.
While the Cowboys’ cornerback room may not need an overhaul, their linebacker and front-seven play have been inconsistent. Barton’s ability to rack up tackles, disrupt passing lanes, and contribute in multiple facets of the game makes him an ideal fit. However, Dallas may need more than one trade to fully address their defensive shortcomings, with Barton serving as a critical first step.
If the Cowboys can land Barton for a mid-round pick, they could pair him with Overshown to create a dynamic linebacker duo, giving their defense the boost it needs to complement Prescott’s high-powered offense. As the November 4 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Dallas to see if they can pull off this potential blockbuster and reignite their playoff hopes.