Michael Barrett, a former standout linebacker at the University of Michigan, is getting another shot at making an NFL roster. The 25-year-old recently signed with the Las Vegas Raiders and will be vying for a spot on the team during training camp this summer.
Barrett’s road to the NFL has been full of twists and turns. He entered the professional ranks as a seventh-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, chosen by the Carolina Panthers. However, his time in Carolina was short-lived. Before the season began, the Panthers traded Barrett to the Seattle Seahawks in August. Although the Seahawks added him to their practice squad after waiving him, his stay with the team was brief.
Following his departure from Seattle, Barrett had short stints on the practice squads of both the Cleveland Browns and Green Bay Packers. His time with the Packers included a promotion to the active roster for the final game of the regular season, but he did not see any playing time. As a result, Barrett is still waiting to make his official NFL debut.
Despite his challenges at the professional level, Barrett had a stellar college career at Michigan. Over six seasons with the Wolverines, he became one of the most experienced and dependable players in the program’s history. Barrett appeared in 64 games, which ranks third all-time at Michigan, and made 35 starts. He amassed 208 tackles during his collegiate career, along with 8.5 sacks and two interceptions.
Barrett’s leadership and performance were instrumental in Michigan’s success, particularly during the 2023 season. That year, he served as a team captain and helped guide the Wolverines to a national championship. His contributions on and off the field earned him all-Big Ten honors twice, further cementing his legacy in Ann Arbor.
At 6 feet tall and weighing 239 pounds, Barrett is known for his versatility and football IQ. He played multiple roles in Michigan’s defense and was praised for his instincts, tackling ability, and leadership. These traits have kept him on the radar of several NFL teams, even if he has yet to find a permanent home.
Now with the Raiders, Barrett is hoping to make the most of this latest opportunity. The team is giving him a chance to prove himself during the offseason and training camp, where he will compete for a roster spot. While the road to a full-time NFL career has not been easy, Barrett’s resilience and work ethic continue to open doors.
For Barrett, signing with Las Vegas represents another chance to fulfill his dream of playing in the NFL. Although he has moved between multiple teams and has yet to appear in a regular-season game, his collegiate track record and perseverance suggest he still has plenty to offer.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on whether Barrett can finally break through and earn a place on the Raiders’ active roster. If he does, it would be a significant milestone for one of Michigan’s most accomplished and determined players.
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