REPORT: The Seattle Seahawks Acquire a Rookie 7th-Rounder, Reuniting With Their Head Coach Ahead of the Season

   

The Seattle Seahawks lost their top three linebackers during the offseason. Bobby Wagner signed with the Washington Commanders, Jordyn Brooks signed with the Miami Dolphins, and Devin Bush signed with the Cleveland Browns. The Seahawks replaced those players by signing Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson, tendering Jon Rhattigan, and drafting Tyrice Knight.

However, one of their projected starters has been dealing with an injury.

The Seattle Seahawks free-agent acquisition suffered an injury

Seattle Seahawks, Jerome Baker
Jul 27, 2024; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Jerome Baker (17) interacts with fans before training camp at Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Jerome Baker suffered a hamstring injury during Week 2 of training camp and has missed the last two weeks of practice, including their first and second preseason games. There were some concerns that he might miss the start of the season, but that died down when he returned to practice this week.

Seattle, concerned with their linebacker depth, acquired a rookie.

The Seattle Seahawks acquired a rookie linebacker

Carolina Panthers, Michael barrett
Aug 17, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New York Jets running back Xazavian Valladay (35) is hit by Carolina Panthers linebacker Michael Barrett (41) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The Seahawks traded Michael Jackson to the Panthers for Michael Barrett. Barrett, the 240th overall pick from this year’s draft, played college football for the Wolverines from 2018 to 2023. He played for head coach Mike Macdonald, who was the Wolverines’ defensive coordinator in 2021.

He recorded 208 tackles, 12 TFLs, 8.5 sacks, two interceptions, one pick-six, four pass deflections, and four forced fumbles in 64 games and 35 starts.

Michael Barrett will compete for a roster spot

Michigan Wolverines, Michael Barrett
Michigan linebacker Michael Barrett warms up before the national championship game at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

The Seahawks will likely keep 4-5 inside linebackers on their 53-man roster. Assuming Jerome Baker, Tyrel Dodson, and Tyrice Knight are roster locks, they will have a competition for the final roster spot/s. The competing players include Michael Barrett, Jon Rhattigan, Drake Thomas, Blake Lynch, Patrick O’Connell, and Easton Gibbs.

Will Barrett make the 53-man roster on such short notice?