Broncos $2 Million Free Agent Addition Turned Heads in Minicamp: Insider
The Denver Broncos quarterback room has gotten a lot of attention this offseason. But the group was hardly the beginning or the end of the team’s roster makeover.
The defense in Denver has welcomed a number of new players, including linebacker Cody Barton, who may be ready to live up to expectations as a major player next season.
Barton signed a $2.5 million, one-year contract in free agency.
On June 24, ESPN’s Jeff Legwold said, “The Broncos signed Barton in free agency, thinking he would be a prime contributor on special teams and could carve out a niche on defense if things went well.” “Barton had positioned himself firmly in the competition for the starting middle linebacker spot to succeed the late Josh Jewell as the Broncos’ offseason program came to an end.”
Barton is also coming off back-to-back 120-plus-tackle seasons.
Griffith has 92 total tackles in his career and has started 12 of his 22 games. This battle could come down to the wire in training camp and the preseason.
Cody Barton Could Fill Broncos’ Void at LB
Jewell logged 108 total tackles last season, adding 3.0 sacks, three fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles. He signed a three-year, $18.7 million contract with the Carolina Panthers in free agency.
It leaves a potential void in the heart of the defense, but one that Barton could replace.
“There were two elements to it we saw,” Payton told reporters on May 30 about signing Barton. “He had a chance essentially to play a major portion of his season as a starter for the first time in his career. We therefore observed both the positive and negative aspects of him, and we had always known that he was a valuable member of the special teams.
The idea of, “Hey, he comes in and competes for Mike and we know he’s someone that can also play a four core teams role for us,” therefore, became clear.
In training camp, Payton recognized that there was a “open competition” for the first position.
Payton stated, “We’re going to rotate through like three or four players, including Jonas.” And once more, I believe that one will be a little bit simpler after the pads are on.
Broncos Defense Must Step Up in 2024
Barton is aiming to be part of a bigger resurgence from the Broncos on that side of the ball. They allowed the sixth-most points and fourth-most total yards from the previous campaign.
Former Utah student and native Barton joins a number of other former Utes on the Broncos squad.
Back in March, Barton told Broncos reporter Sydney Jones, “I feel like the scheme fits me well.” The way they operate here, they use their defense and linebackers aggressively. youthful, quick squad. And, well, that’s it. Simply put, being near to home feels nice.
“I think I’m going to add a lot of physicality, intelligence, aggression, quickness, and just—I dunno. Simply said, a good teammate and ball player.
