BREAKING: Cody Barton Joins Panthers: A Bold Move for Carolina's Playoff Push
The Carolina Panthers have made a significant move in their quest for a playoff spot, acquiring linebacker Cody Barton from the Tennessee Titans. Announced on October 23, this trade marks a bold step forward for the Panthers, who are currently enjoying their first winning record under rookie quarterback Bryce Young. With the playoff race heating up, this trade signals that Carolina is looking to make a serious push for postseason contention.
A Much-Needed Addition to the Linebacker Corps
Cody Barton, 28, joined the Titans in the offseason with a three-year, $21 million contract. In his first season with Tennessee, Barton has already made a major impact with 42 tackles and 2 interceptions. With over 100 games played and 50 starts in his career, he brings valuable experience and leadership to a Panthers team that has struggled with depth at linebacker. The addition of Barton should help shore up a critical position for Carolina as they look to compete with the best teams in the NFC.
Panthers General Manager Dan Morgan recognized the need for an upgrade at linebacker and saw an opportunity to bolster the defense with Barton. The Titans, who are in the midst of a rebuilding phase, have made it clear that they are open to trading several players on their roster, and Barton has become a prime target. Despite only recently joining the Titans, his potential availability was too good to pass up for the Panthers.
A Strategic Investment
While acquiring Barton wasn’t cheap, it’s a strategic move that could pay off big for Carolina. Barton is under contract through the 2027 season, which means the Panthers will likely need to part with a valuable draft pick to make the deal happen. While projections estimate that Barton’s value could be a fourth-round pick, it’s expected that the Titans may hold out for a higher return. Nevertheless, the Panthers are clearly committed to making this investment to improve their defense and enhance their playoff chances.
Barton’s extensive experience in the league and his ability to lead from the linebacker position will be crucial for the Panthers as they continue to develop under Bryce Young. The presence of a proven playmaker like Barton should help stabilize a defense that has shown improvement this season but still has areas in need of strengthening.
As the Panthers prepare for their Week 8 showdown against the Buffalo Bills, they are counting on the immediate impact of Barton to help them in this crucial matchup. Facing off against a formidable opponent like the Bills, led by quarterback Josh Allen, will be a tough test for Carolina’s defense. However, with Barton now in the mix, the Panthers are hoping to tighten up their defensive game and put themselves in a strong position as the season enters its final stretch.
The addition of Cody Barton is more than just a roster move—it’s a clear statement that the Panthers are in playoff contention and ready to make a run. With a team now bolstered by a strong defensive leader and the continued growth of Bryce Young, Carolina is becoming a serious threat in the NFC. The question now is whether Barton’s leadership can help elevate the defense to the level needed to compete with the top-tier teams, but this trade certainly puts the Panthers on the map as one of the more dangerous teams heading into the postseason race.
Steelers Part Ways with Injured Offensive Lineman Gareth Warren
PITTSBURGH — After an injury knocked a rookie Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman out of action, his time with the organization has officially come to an end. The Steelers waived Gareth Warren, a massive, 22-year-old offensive tackle, according to the NFL's transaction list.
The move comes after Warren was injured during the Steelers’ second preseason game. Diving for a loose ball, he received a concussion and was unable to return for the rest of preseason action. After being waived with the final roster cuts, the team placed him on the Reserved/Injured List. Now healthy, the team is parting ways with him altogether.
With this designation, Warren is now free to sign with any other NFL team.
Unexpected Rise
Warren joined the Steelers after going undrafted during the 2025 NFL Draft. The 6’6”, 330-pound tackle was passed over after finishing his collegiate career at the FCS school Lindenwood. With several NFL teams interested in signing him as an undrafted free agent, he chose to sign in
The step was a continuation of Warren’s rise up the ranks. Born in Kailua Kona, Hawaii, he was a standout player at Kealakaehe High School before becoming joining the Lindenwood Lions. As a junior, he was a part of an offensive line that dominated the conference and FCS competition. The Lions averaged 39.5 points per game and 509.1 yards per game, both tops in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC).
Lack of Opportunity
Despite showing promise and potential, the road to a spot on the 53-man roster was long. And the road to becoming an impact player at the tackle position even longer.
It’s no disrespect to Warren, but he’s an unrefined player in need of further development and more attention in order to take that next step. Receiving that in Pittsburgh was a low possibility.
The Steelers have two young tackles they fully believe in already. Troy Fautanu has already become an unquestioned staple on the right side, despite this being his first year of playing regular season games in the NFL.
Broderick Jones has similarly gained more and more trust from the Steelers’ coaching staff and starting quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. He and Fautanu haven’t allowed a sack in two straight games, and the offensive line is gelling more and more as the season progresses.
Behind Jones and Fautanu, the Steelers also have veterans like Dylan Cook and Andrus Peat that can step up in the case of injury.
The result is a crowded path for Warren to become an NFL player, and the Steelers are now giving him the chance to catch on somewhere else.
