Tag: Michael Barrett

Packers sign pair of recent seventh-round draft picks to practice squad

The Green Bay Packers released receiver Malik Knowles from the practice squad and signed linebacker Michael Barrett and offensive lineman Marquis Hayes to the practice squad on Saturday. 

The Green Bay Packers released receiver Malik Knowles from the practice squad and signed linebacker Michael Barrett and offensive lineman Marquis Hayes to the practice squad on Saturday.

Both Barrett and Hayes were recent seventh-round draft picks.

Barrett was a seventh-round pick of the Carolina Panthers in the 2024 draft. He’s spent time with the practice squads of the Seattle Seahawks and Cleveland Browns during his first NFL season. He’ll replace Jamin Davis, who was signed by the Minnesota Vikings last week, as the lone linebacker on the practice squad. At Michigan, Barrett played in 65 games and was a two-time All-Big Ten pick. During the 2023 season, Barrett delivered three sacks and a team-high three forced fumbles as a team captain for the national champions.

Hayes was a seventh-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in the 2022 draft. He’s spent time with the practice squad of the Cardinals and Washington Commanders after missing his entire rookie season with an injury. At Oklahoma, Hayes started 37 straight games at left guard between 2019 and 2021.

The Packers originally signed Knowles, a first-year player out of Kansas State, on Oct. 16. He did not appear in a game for the Packers as a practice squad elevation.

6 players had tryouts with Broncos on Friday

The Denver Broncos brought in six players for tryouts on Friday — two linebackers, two defensive backs and two offensive linemen.

The Denver Broncos brought in six players for tryouts on Friday, according to the NFL’s transaction wire (via KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis).

The Broncos worked out two linebackers, two defensive backs and two offensive linemen. Here’s a quick review of the six players.

Linebacker Michael Barrett (6-0, 239 pounds) was picked by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round of this year’s NFL draft out of Michigan. He was traded to the Seattle Seahawks this summer and then cut by Seattle. Barrett then had a brief stint on the practice squad of the Cleveland Browns.

Linebacker K.J. Cloyd (6-2, 228 pounds) went undrafted out of Miami this spring. He had brief stints with the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants.

Offensive lineman Matt Farniok (6-5, 316 pounds) was picked by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL draft out of Nebraska. The guard/center dressed for 19 games for the Cowboys in two seasons, appearing in two games in 2022. He spent time on the practice squads of the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions in 2023.

Offensive lineman Brady Latham (6-5, 304 pounds) signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent out of Arkansas this spring. He suffered a freak injury during the offseason when a hunting knife fell out of its sheath and wounded his calf. The guard-turned-center did not make New York’s roster.

Defensive back Keenan Isaac (6-2, 190 pounds) signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent out of Alabama State in 2023. The cornerback dressed for two games as a rookie and then had a brief stint with the Panthers before returning to the Bucs. Isaac dressed for five games this fall before being waived earlier this week.

Defensive back Jaylen Key (6-2, 210 pounds) was picked by the Jets in the seventh round of this year’s NFL draft out of Alabama. The safety started his rookie season on New York’s practice squad before being released in October.

Broncos tryout players

  1. LB Michael Barrett
  2. LB K.J. Cloyd
  3. DB Keenan Isaac
  4. DB Jaylen Key
  5. OL Matt Farniok
  6. OL Brady Latham

Denver’s 53-man roster and 17-player practice squad are both full. The Broncos might be looking at candidates for future contract signings after the 2024 season.

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Browns place a fifth defender on Injured Reserve

Another defender hits IR

After placing four defenders on Injured Reserve earlier this week, the Browns have now put a fifth as rookie cornerback Myles Harden is now out at least four weeks with a shin injury.

Harden was inactive in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, a healthy scratch, however. As a seventh round pick, this is not unusual for them to spend most of their first season in the NFL in street clothes.

The Browns also signed linebacker Michael Barrett to the practice squad, meaning that a cornerback on the practice squad is likely going to be signed to the active roster to fill Harden’s roster spot. Expect that cornerback to be Tony Brown II.

Barrett, a rookie from Michigan, was drafted on Day 3 by the Carolina Panthers before he was traded to the Seattle Seahawks during the preseason. He was later released by the Seahawks as they trimmed their roster down from 90 to 53.

Expect Seahawks to re-add LB Michael Barrett to practice squad

Expect Seahawks to re-add LB Michael Barrett to practice squad

The Seattle Seahawks released rookie linebacker Michael Barrett from the practice squad on Tuesday in order to make room for wide receiver Ty Scott. It was somewhat of a surprising decision considering Barrett was acquired by general manager John Schneider via trade during training camp. Fear not, the rookie off-ball linebacker should re-join the practice squad fairly soon.

Schneider consistently churns the bottom of his practice squad as required. The Seahawks traded cornerback Michael Jackson to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for Barrett in August. We wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a handshake agreement to bring Barrett back to the practice squad shortly.

This actually marked the second time the Seahawks released Barrett from his contract. He was waived after failing to initially make the 53-man roster, and quickly re-signed to the practice squad. Schneider has likely explained to Barrett that this is simply procedural, and the organization would like to continue developing him.

And Barrett will likely accept that offer. Where would you rather be? He’s familiar with head coach Mike Macdonald and special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh via their shared connections with The University of Michigan. Unless Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers come calling, Seattle is far and away Barrett’s best overall fit as he continues acclimating to professional football.

If you were confused by Barrett’s release on Tuesday, you should expect him to quickly resurface on the practice squad.

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Seahawks bring back WR Ty Scott, signing him to the practice squad

Seahawks bring back WR Ty Scott, signing him to the practice squad

The Seattle Seahawks have made another roster move involving the practice squad. On Tuesday, it was reported the Seahawks were bringing back wide receiver Ty Scott. Originally signed in late July during the first week of training camp, Scott was eventually waived by the team during the August 27th deadline to shrink the active roster to 53 players. Now, he has found his way back to the Seahawks organization.

Of course, when one player comes back, it typically means the team has to move on from someone else. Sadly, this is the reality for seventh round rookie linebacker Michael Barrett from Michigan. The Seahawks had traded for Barrett in late August. Seattle had sent cornerback Michael Jackson to the Carolina Panthers in a rare straight across trade

Seattle still has quality depth at wide receiver, even if the numbers from Sunday didn’t exactly pop off the page. The fact they are keeping Scott in the organization despite this depth tells us the team sees something in him that is worth holding on to, even if it is on the practice squad.

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5 most important Seattle Seahawks practice squad signings

5 most important Seattle Seahawks practice squad signings

The Seattle Seahawks officially announced a 15-man practice squad on Wednesday afternoon. No, general manager John Schneider didn’t retain every talent via the practice squad that he probably wanted to. The Carolina Panthers claimed ex Seahawks linebacker Jon Rhattigan and EDGE Jamie Sheriff on waivers, potentially altering Schneider’s plans.

Schneider and the Seahawks still put together an intriguing practice squad. Mixing veterans with developmental rookies, Seattle’s backup squad has a healthy balance of players that could immediately help and ones that could turn into long-term contributors. With that in mind, we’ve identified the five most important practice squad signings.

George Holani, RB

Many believed the Seahawks would retain four running backs on the active roster, but Schneider stuck with just three. Sophomore back Kenny McIntosh won the RB3 job, and the Seahawks choose to pass undrafted rookie George Holani through waivers. Thankfully, Holani cleared, and has been placed on the practice squad after rushing for 65 yards and two touchdowns during the preseason.

Artie Burns, CB

Veteran cornerback Artie Burns wasn’t subject to the waiver wire process because he’s a vested veteran. Burns could have signed with any team of his choosing after being released, but he opted to re-join the Seahawks via the practice squad. Retaining the experienced cover-man, who occasionally worked with the first-team defense in training camp as the nickel corner, was a big victory for Schneider.

Michael Barrett, LB

The Seahawks acquired rookie linebacker Michael Barrett in a trade with the Carolina Panthers in exchange for cornerback Mike Jackson. Seattle still waived Barrett, but managed to get him back on the practice squad. He’ll spend the season developing under coaches he’s familiar with from his time at Michigan, including special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh.

McClendon Curtis, IOL

Sophomore blocker McClendon Curtis spent the majority of last season on the 53-man roster. This offseason, he proved versatile enough to work at both offensive tackle and his more prominent guard positions. If the Seahawks suffer an injury across the offensive line, Curtis will be ready to join the game-day roster.

Easop Winston Jr., WR

Eason Winston Jr. was Seattle’s most productive wide receiver throughout the preseason. He posted team-highs in receptions (8), receiving yards (99), and touchdowns (1). The Seahawks were deep at wideout, so Winston Jr. had to settle for a developmental spot on the practice squad.

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RB George Holani and 14 others signed to Seahawks practice squad

RB George Holani and 14 others signed to Seahawks practice squad

The Seattle Seahawks have their official active roster set, and now they have their practice squad ready to go as well. Among those on the team are a few notable names, such as running back George Holani, wide receiver Easop Winston Jr., and linebacker Michael Barrett who the team acquired in a trade with the Carolina Panthers.

Keeping these players in the Seahawks system is certainly a win, especially in the case of Holani. He played well in the preseason, and could be a good insurance piece should something happen injury wise to any of Seattle’s top three running backs.

Here is the full list of the practice squad, as announced by the team via their Twitter page:

  • LB Michael Barrett
  • DT Kyon Barrs
  • S Marquise Blair
  • CB Artie Burns
  • T McClendon Curtis
  • T Garret Greenfield
  • RB George Holani
  • DE DeVere Levelston
  • TE Tyler Mabry
  • LB Patrick O’Connell
  • S Ty Okada
  • G Raiqwon O’Neal
  • T Max Pircher
  • WR Cody White
  • WR Easop Winston Jr.

 

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Full list of 2024 Seahawks roster cuts

Full list of 2024 Seahawks roster cuts

The NFL’s deadline of 4:00 pm Eastern/1:00 pm Pacific to make the final roster cuts has come and gone. The Seattle Seahawks have officially set their 53-man roster, and the full team can be seen here.

Unfortunately, this means there are plenty of young men who will not be suiting up in Action Green and College Navy when Week 1 rolls around. Below is the full list of players who were waived, cut, and placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.

Waived:

  • LB Sundiata Anderson
  • LB Michael Barrett 
  • DT Kyon Barrs
  • CB Lance Boykin
  • LB Nelson Ceaser
  • T McClendon Curtis
  • WR Dee Eskridge
  • TE Michael Ezeike
  • TE Devon Garrison
  • LB Easton Gibbs
  • T Garret Greenfield
  • WR Hayden Hatten
  • RB George Holani
  • CB D.J. James
  • CB Carlton Johnson
  • DT Mario Kendricks
  • DE DeVere Levelston
  • RB Kobe LEwis
  • TE Tyler Mabry
  • LB Patrick O’Connell
  • S Ty Okada
  • G Raiqwon O’Neal
  • T Max Pircher
  • LB Jon Rhattigan
  • RB Kairee Robinson
  • WR Ty Scott
  • LB Jamie Sheriff
  • WR Cody White
  • WR Easop Winston Jr.

Terminated Veteran Contract:

  • S marquise Blair
  • CB Artie Burns
  • LB Blake Lynch
  • QB PJ Walker

Waived/Injured

  • TE Jack Westover

Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform

  • T Abe Lucas
  • S Jerrick Reed II
  • NT Cameron Young

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Analyzing rookie LB Michael Barrett in his Seahawks preseason debut

Analyzing rookie LB Michael Barrett in his Seahawks preseason debut

The Seattle Seahawks didn’t waste any time getting rookie linebacker Michael Barrett integrated into their defense. Despite being acquired in a trade with the Carolina Panthers for cornerback Mike Jackson on August 22nd, Barrett suited up for the Seahawks’ preseason finale just two days later on August 24th. He was productive in a 37-33 exhibition victory over the Cleveland Browns.

Barrett totaled 25 snaps despite not getting in a *single* practice before making his in-game debut. Barrett was the Seahawks’ third-most snapped linebacker. Only Tyrice Knight (45) and Patrick O’Connell (36) were more involved. Jerome Baker did not play, and fellow starter Tyrel Dodson was limited to seven plays with the first-string defense.

Pro Football Focus assigned Barrett a stellar run-stopping grade of 72.4. The former Michigan standout had an overall defensive grade of 64.0. Barrett made one tackle, and was targeted twice in coverage, allowing one reception for a 13-yard gain. All in all, it represented a promising debut given the circumstances.

Barrett’s familiarity with Mike Macdonald’s defense likely aided his swift transition to his new surroundings. Macdonald was Barrett’s defensive coordinator at Michigan in 2021. This past campaign, the off-ball linebacker won a National Championship with the Wolverines while playing for a coaching staff that included Jim and Jay Harbaugh, the latter of which is now Seattle’s special teams coordinator.

Barrett’s approximate 48-hour-turnaround from being traded to playing was fascinating. It also indicates the Seahawks have faith in Barrett’s ability to execute the defense. His developmental potential will land him on Seattle’s initial 53 man roster later this week.

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How Mike Jackson trade impacts Seahawks’ CB room

How Mike Jackson trade impacts Seahawks’ CB room

The Seattle Seahawks turned a position of weakness into a strength on Thursday when they acquired rookie linebacker Michael Barrett from the Carolina Panthers. General manager John Schneider sent cornerback Mike Jackson the other way. Jackson’s departure from a deep corner room will offer more opportunity for young rookies like D.J. James and Nehemiah Pritchett.

Jackson, a 2019 fifth-rounder, lost his place this offseason in a deep defensive backfield. Jackson started opposite Riq Woolen during the 2022 season. He was a league-average cornerback, allowing a respectable 62% completion percentage on targets thrown his way, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jackson was replaced in the starting lineup prior to the 2023 season by Tre Brown. Brown ran with his opportunity, and more changes came to the defense this offseason when head coach Mike Macdonald replaced Pete Carroll. Macdonald brought his brilliant defensive system with him, and Schneider drafted James and Pritchett to better appease the scheme.

Jackson has settled in as a depth cornerback. The Seahawks understandably rather utilize those depth spots on developmental rookies with more long-term upside. They also undrafted free agent Carlton Johnson on the roster. Johnson has impressed in spurts and is attempting to make the 53 man roster. His chances improved following Jackson’s trade.

Pritchett has spent the preseason playing almost exclusively on the boundary. James has been slightly more versatile, splitting reps outside and inside. Jackson’s departure all but guarantees that both Pritchett and James will appear on Seattle’s initial 53 man roster next week.

The Seahawks needed better linebacker depth given that projected starter Jerome Baker has been sidelined with injury for multiple weeks. With Jon Rhattigan and Patrick O’Connell offering little-to-no long-term upside, the arrival of Barrett offers the Seahawks a potential future solution. Having Barrett and Tyrice Knight as rookies in the linebacker room will be beneficial.

Trading Jackson in exchange for better linebacker depth was a worthwhile move.

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