Graham Barton

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Graham Barton's four-year, $14M deal with Tampa Bay earns a B- CVI, representing solid value for a developing center still finding his NFL footing. At $3.5M per year with full guarantees, the Buccaneers are paying rotational player money for what they hope becomes above-average starter production — a reasonable bet given the premium attached to quality center play across the league. The fully guaranteed structure reflects Tampa Bay's commitment to Barton's development while protecting against the inherent risk of investing in a player who hasn't yet established himself as a consistent NFL starter. This contract hits the sweet spot where the Bucs aren't overpaying for current production but aren't getting a steal either — they're essentially paying market rate for a center with upside in a position where competent play is increasingly expensive. The deal positions Tampa Bay well if Barton develops into the franchise-caliber center they envision, while the modest annual value won't cripple their cap flexibility if he plateaus at his current level.

Performance Analysis

Graham Barton receives a D grade as a young Buccaneers center who is still developing into a reliable starter. His first two NFL seasons have featured impressive durability — 17 games in 2025 and 16 in 2024 — which shows Tampa Bay trusts him as their full-time center. Centers are graded on the nuances of their play rather than box-score stats, and Barton's D grade suggests he has work to do in both pass protection and run blocking. Being a Day 1 starter as a rookie is an accomplishment in itself, and the consistency of his availability is a promising foundation. If Barton can improve his technique and anchor against elite interior rushers, his grade should climb as he enters his third season.

Current Sentiment

Graham Barton enters the 2026 season as a developing young center for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, still working to establish himself as a reliable long-term starter along the offensive line. His flexibility and adaptability have drawn measured praise from coaching staff and analysts, with at least one prominent positional ranking outlet offering an encouraging outlook for his trajectory. However, Barton's recent visibility in the news cycle has been clouded by an NFL-issued punishment and a notable fine stemming from the Week 16 loss to the Carolina Panthers, which introduces a layer of concern around his discipline and on-field conduct. The fine and league punishment, while not career-defining, represent a reputational headwind for a player who has yet to accumulate the accolades or contract value that would insulate him from negative coverage. Overall, fan and media perception of Barton is cautiously neutral-to-mixed — he shows developmental promise, but the disciplinary headlines temper enthusiasm heading into what is a pivotal third season for his career standing.