Ravens Sign Michael Barrett for Inside Linebacker Depth
The move addresses Baltimore’s thin inside-linebacker group by adding a player who already knows coach Jesse Minter.
Overview
- The Ravens signed Michael Barrett on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, after a workout to provide immediate depth at inside linebacker ahead of joint practices and the preseason finale.
- Barrett was a key starter for Michigan under Jesse Minter, helping win the 2023 national title and finishing his college career with 65 tackles that season and a 61-14 record over six years.
- He spent roughly 10 months in the UFL this spring with the St. Louis Battlehawks, recording 10 tackles and one sack and giving NFL teams recent game tape to evaluate.
- Baltimore’s short-term need follows the placement of center Danny Pinter on injured reserve, Teddye Buchanan still ramping up after a December ACL tear, and Carl Jones Jr. missing recent practices.
- Barrett is not expected to start immediately and will likely compete for a roster or practice-squad spot through special-teams play, while his UFL-to-NFL path highlights how spring leagues can reopen doors for fringe players.