What are Chargers Getting with UDFA LB Lander Barton?

The Los Angeles Chargers signed former Utah linebacker Lander Barton as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft, adding competition to the position group and a potential successor to veteran Denzel Perryman, who returned to the Bolts on a one-year deal this offseason.

The 22-year-old Cottonwood Heights, UT native spent all four seasons of his college career with the Utes, earning Second-Team Freshman All-American honors and Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2022. Barton recorded 207 total tackles (100 solo), eight passes broken up, three forced fumbles, five interceptions and two defensive touchdowns.

This past season, Barton recorded 55 total tackles (25 solo), 1.5 sacks, one pass broken up and one interception, while earning an overall grade of 62.4 from Pro Football Focus, which ranked 590th among 809 qualifying linebackers. His coverage grade of 65.0 ranked 317th, and his run-defense grade of 59.9 ranked 696th at the position.

Barton's pass-rush grade of 62.1 ranked 455th among qualifying linebackers in 2025. He generated 19 total pressures and allowed a 67.8 passer rating when targeted in coverage. He was charged with 12 missed tackles over the course of the year.

At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Barton did not participate in timed drills, though he measured in at 6-foot-4, 233 pounds with 32 1/4-inch arms and 9 1/2-inch hands. According to Next Gen Stats' prospect score breakdown, Barton earned a total score of 62, which ranked 18th among linebackers. His production score of 57 ranked 15th, and his estimated athleticism score of 61 ranked 19th at the position.

Barton enters the next level with experience across multiple alignments, giving him built-in versatility as he adjusts to first-time defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary’s system. He has a strong understanding of run concepts, consistently reading and diagnosing plays before they fully develop. That recognition allows him to stay disciplined against misdirection and position himself to make plays downhill. He also brings solid physicality, using heavy hands when engaging blockers and showing a willingness to meet ball carriers with force.

In coverage, Barton offers adequate zone range and competes at the catch point, though his limitations in short-area quickness can show up in space. His movement skills aren’t as fluid as you’d hope, which can lead to issues when changing direction and finishing plays.

That said, Barton’s background—including snaps on offense as a red-zone target and blocker, along with a family history in the league—adds to his developmental appeal as a depth piece with some positional flexibility for Los Angeles.