Could The Tennessee Titans Release Cody Barton?

It is almost the offseason in the NFL and that means players are about to start being released in order to free up cap space.

One of the names floating around that the Tennessee Titans may consider releasing is linebacker Cody Barton

The 29 year old signed a 3-year, $21 million dollar contract prior to the 2025 season. He totalled 81 tackles, 1 sack, and 3 interceptions in his first year with the team and brought one of them back for a touchdown.

Via KSL Sports

On tape, Barton did not look good; he looked lost in coverage, missed tackles, and played too far off when covering the middle of the field. He was far inferior to the other starting linebacker on the team, Cedric Gray, who broke out in his first season starting.

If the team chose to release him, Barton would save about $2.5 million in 2026, as he is owed just aboved $9 million and would incur a dead cap penalty of $6.44 million.

The Titans have another young linebacker on the roster to pair with Gray if they released Barton, as James Williams is a player who fits Robert Saleh's intended identity really well. Saleh wants to be fast, violent, and physical - traits that Williams possesses. The former Miami Hurricanes linebacker was also originally the favorite to start beside Barton in 2025, before being beat out by Gray.

If they don't decide to look towards Williams, there are a number of linebackers in this upcoming draft that could be a replacement. This is an extremely deep class at that position with solid options in each and every round.

I am not sure if the Titans will choose to release Barton, as Mike Borgonzi signed him to a 3-year deal, but the new era in Tennessee football with a new head coach could make it far more likely. Barton doesn't fit Saleh's scheme too well, and there are potentially younger and better options on the table.

It will certainly be interesting to watch this offseason, as there are a number of ways management could take it.