Las Vegas Raiders Add Former Michigan Team Captain Michael Barrett to Revamped Linebacker Corps
The Las Vegas Raiders have continued reshaping their linebacker group heading into the 2025 NFL season, most recently adding a former college team captain with championship experience. Linebacker Michael Barrett, who played under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan and served as a captain for their 2023 national title team, has officially joined the Raiders roster.
This move comes as the Raiders face significant turnover at the linebacker position. Two of last year’s starters — Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo — departed in free agency, signing with the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons, respectively. With their exits, the Raiders are in the process of rebuilding their linebacker unit under new defensive leadership.
Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has historically operated a system that favors two linebackers on the field at a time. As of now, Elandon Roberts and Devin White are projected to fill those primary roles, but nothing is set in stone. The Raiders have made it clear they’re fostering competition for roster spots.
To deepen the position further, the team recently brought in veteran linebacker Jaylon Smith. Now, with the addition of Barrett, the Raiders are adding youth and leadership experience to the mix. Barrett originally entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2024. Though he didn’t stick in Carolina, he’s already seen a few different locker rooms in just his second season, and he’ll now have a fresh opportunity in Las Vegas.
Barrett is a player familiar to many in the AFC West, especially now that his former college coach Jim Harbaugh is the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. If Barrett earns a spot on the Raiders’ 53-man roster, it could set the stage for an intriguing reunion with Harbaugh during divisional matchups.
While Barrett fights for a role, the rest of the Raiders’ defense is catching the attention of their new head coach, Pete Carroll. Known for his defensive pedigree, Carroll has taken over the team with an intent to revive the Raiders’ once-proud defensive identity. Injuries hampered the unit in 2024, but Carroll is optimistic about what he’s seen so far during offseason activities.
Speaking during a press conference, Carroll praised the energy and leadership forming within the defense. “That’s what allows guys to think freely and be confident to make plays and break on the ball,” Carroll explained. “Jeremy Chinn has shown strong leadership already. Elandon Roberts brings confidence that spreads through the team. Eric Stokes has jumped in at corner and made an impact as well. We’re getting positive contributions from experienced players, and that’s encouraging.”
One of the emotional leaders of the team, Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby, has echoed Carroll’s sentiments. Known for his relentless motor and passion, Crosby noted that the energy brought by Carroll has already had a positive influence throughout the team facility.
“That energy is contagious,” Crosby said. “You can be the smartest guy in the room when it comes to X’s and O’s, but football comes down to execution and who’s willing to push further when it matters most. We’ve got guys all over the roster — offense and defense — who are pushing to that next level.”
As the Raiders continue through OTAs and look ahead to training camp, the addition of players like Michael Barrett and the renewed focus under Carroll give fans reason for optimism. Whether Barrett can translate his college leadership into a meaningful NFL role remains to be seen, but the opportunity is certainly there.
With a new coaching staff, fresh faces, and renewed energy, the Raiders are hoping to make strides in the upcoming season — and perhaps surprise a few teams along the way.
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