Cody Barton

Seahawks Finalize Draft Class Contracts

Linebacker Cody Barton became the latest third-round pick to agree to the terms of his rookie contract. This signing (Instagram link) rounds out the Seahawks’ 2019 rookie deals.

Eighteen third-round picks are still unsigned. This round’s contract agreements drag out every year because of CBA language, but as teams approach minicamps, that number figures to drop dramatically. Barton was Seattle’s lone third-round selection. The Seahawks began this draft with four first-round picks, but numerous trades turned that number into 11.

Chosen 88th overall out of Utah, Barton became the first of two linebackers the Seahawks selected. Ben Burr-Kirven (Washington) joined the team as a fifth-round pick. Both Pac-12 products figure to back up Bobby Wagner, K.J. Wright and Barkevious Mingo as rookies. Barton made a career-high 117 tackles for the Utes as a senior and registered eight sacks between the 2017 and ’18 seasons.

Here is the Seahawks’ 2019 draft class:

Seahawks Land No. 88 Pick From Vikings

For the second time in an hour, the Vikings have traded down. This time, they will send the No. 88 overall pick to the Seahawks.

Minnesota previously dealt its No. 81 choice to Detroit. Seattle selected Utah linebacker Cody Barton. This was a four-pick swap, with the Vikings also dealing a sixth-round pick (No. 209) and the Seahawks sending back a fifth-rounder (No. 159).

The Vikings have now acquired fourth- and sixth-round picks Friday night. Their next selection window will open at pick No. 92.

Barton joins what is now by far the Seahawks’ most experienced defensive position group, with Bobby Wagner and the recently re-signed K.J. Wright anchoring the linebacking corps. Barton registered four sacks in each of his final two seasons with the Utes.