If there's one thing the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers have in common, it's a need at the linebacker position.
The 49ers are reeling after the season-ending injury to Fred Warner, which creates a void in San Francisco's defense that will be impossible to completely fill.
In Buffalo, Matt Milano has been in and out of the lineup due to injury this season and the play at the position hasn't been up to snuff in general.
Knowing the need each team has at the position, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox named the Bills and 49ers are possible trade suitors for Tennessee Titans linebacker Cody Barton.
Barton, who now has 49 starts on his resume, signed a three-year deal in free agency. However, he'll turn 29 in November and might be more valuable to the Titans in the long term as a trade chip.
Tennessee could expect a reasonable return for Barton, who has logged 38 tackles and two passes defended this season. Teams in need of linebacker help—because of injuries or poor play—should have his name circled.
Potential Suitors: Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers
Barton inked a three-year, $21 million deal with the Titans in the offseason and has started in all six games, tallying 38 tackles (one for loss) and two passes defensed.
Over the past three season, Barton has been a tackle machine, posting 106 or more in each campaign, including a career-high 136 in 2022. He isn't elite at any one thing, but he's a solid run defender and can hold his own in coverage.
With the Titans in a tailspin following a 1-5 start, the team should be looking to trade anything that isn't nailed down in order to add more draft capital to help a rebuild that will feature a new head coach in 2026.
Barton would amount to an upgrade for the Niners and Bills and would be a worthwhile addition for both teams at the cost of a Day 3 pick.
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