Carlos Basham Jr. Bio
Carlos “Boogie” Basham Jr. is an American professional football linebacker who currently plays for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). Born on December 16, 1997, in Roanoke, Virginia, Basham emerged as a standout defensive player during his college career at Wake Forest University. The Buffalo Bills selected him in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 61st overall pick. Throughout his professional career, Basham has demonstrated consistent playmaking ability while contributing as a rotational linebacker for multiple NFL franchises.
Early Life and Background
Carlos Basham Jr. grew up in Roanoke, Virginia, where he attended Northside High School. During his senior year at Northside, Basham established himself as a defensive force, recording 76 tackles and seven sacks. His impressive high school performance attracted attention from college programs across the country, ultimately leading him to commit to Wake Forest University to continue his football career and academic studies.
Path to the NFL
Upon arriving at Wake Forest University, Basham redshirted his true freshman season in 2016, using that year to adjust to the collegiate level and develop his skills. He broke onto the scene in 2017, appearing in all 13 games and recording 24 tackles while adapting to the Demon Deacons defensive scheme. His most significant growth came during his junior season in 2018, when he posted 64 tackles and 4.5 sacks, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing backfields.
Basham returned to Wake Forest for his senior season in 2020 after initially considering declaring for the NFL Draft following his 2019 campaign. His consistent performance throughout his college career earned him recognition within the Atlantic Coast Conference, including First-team All-ACC honors in 2019 and Third-team All-ACC honors in 2020. These accolades solidified his reputation as one of the premier defensive ends in the conference and positioned him favorably for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Carlos Basham Jr. Career
Buffalo Bills (2021–2022)
The Buffalo Bills selected Carlos Basham Jr. in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, recognizing his potential to strengthen their defensive line rotation. Basham signed his rookie contract with the Bills on May 12, 2021, officially beginning his professional career. As a rookie, he appeared in eight games, making an immediate impact with 2.5 sacks and 18 total tackles while learning the NFL game speed and defensive assignments.
The 2022 season marked a breakthrough for Basham, both individually and collectively as the Bills pursued their Super Bowl aspirations. On September 8, during the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, Basham recorded his first career interception, picking off quarterback Matthew Stafford for a 21-yard return. This turnover helped seal the Bills’ 31–10 victory and demonstrated Basham’s versatility beyond his pass-rushing abilities. He also recorded a sack on Stafford earlier in that game, establishing himself as a dual-threat defender. Throughout the 2022 season, Basham appeared in 15 games, finishing with two sacks, 19 total tackles, one interception, two passes defended, and one fumble recovery. He continued his playoff contributions by recording a sack in the Bills’ Wild Card Round win over the Miami Dolphins.
New York Giants (2023–2024)
On August 29, 2023, the Buffalo Bills traded Basham to the New York Giants, along with a 2025 seventh-round draft pick, in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round selection. This trade represented a new chapter in Basham’s career, providing him with an opportunity to assume a larger role with the Giants defense. He appeared in 13 games during the 2023 season, continuing to develop his craft within a different defensive system.
The 2024 season brought significant changes for Basham’s trajectory with the organization. On October 22, 2024, the Giants waived him before re-signing him to the practice squad, a common roster manipulation move in the NFL. This period tested his resilience and commitment to continuing his professional football career despite the uncertainty of his roster status.
Carolina Panthers (2025)
Following his time with the Giants, Basham signed a reserve/future contract with the Carolina Panthers on January 21, 2025. He competed for a roster spot during training camp and the preseason before being released on August 26, 2025. The Panthers re-signed him to the practice squad following his release. On October 18, 2025, the organization elevated Basham from the practice squad for their Week 7 matchup against the New York Jets, providing him with an opportunity to contribute at the active roster level. He was released again on November 4, 2025.
Las Vegas Raiders (2025–Present)
Basham joined the Las Vegas Raiders organization when he signed to their practice squad on November 25, 2025. This move represented another chapter in his journeyman career, as he sought to establish himself within the Raiders defensive scheme. His experience from playing for multiple franchises provided him with a diverse football background and adaptability to different defensive philosophies.
Driving Style and Strengths
While not a traditional comparison given his defensive line position, Basham’s game translates through his relentlessness and ability to diagnose plays quickly. His strength lies in his burst off the line of scrimmage and his capacity to collapse the pocket from the edge rusher position. His collegiate background at Wake Forest developed his technique and hand usage, allowing him to win one-on-one matchups against offensive tackles. The experience gained from working with multiple defensive coordinators throughout his career has enhanced his football intelligence and ability to read offensive schemes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Basham’s interception against Matthew Stafford during the 2022 season opener against the Los Angeles Rams stands as one of the defining moments of his early career. The play showcased his rare combination of coverage ability and instincts for a player primarily known for his pass-rushing prowess. That victory over the Rams marked the beginning of what became a successful season for the Bills and demonstrated Basham’s ability to make game-changing plays on the biggest stages.
Carlos Basham Jr. Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career spanning four seasons with the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants, Basham has accumulated meaningful production across multiple defensive categories while serving primarily as a rotational player within various defensive schemes.
NFL Highlights
His rookie season in 2021 established the foundation with 2.5 sacks and 18 tackles across eight games. The 2022 campaign represented his most productive statistical year, as he appeared in 15 games while recording two sacks, 19 tackles, and his first career interception. His total career statistics through the 2024 season include 57 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, one interception, three pass deflections, and one fumble recovery. His playoff experience includes postseason appearances with the Buffalo Bills, where he contributed a sack during their Wild Card victory over the Miami Dolphins.
College Achievements
Prior to his professional career, Basham earned recognition as one of the top defensive players in the Atlantic Coast Conference. His First-team All-ACC selection in 2019 highlighted his status among the conference elite, while his Third-team All-ACC honor in 2020 demonstrated sustained excellence throughout his senior season. His four-year college career produced consistent production, including a standout junior season with 64 tackles and 4.5 sacks.
| Competition Level | Games Played | Total Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Regular Season | 36 | 57 | 4.5 | 1 |
| College (Wake Forest) | 40+ | 150+ | 10+ | 0 |
Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Carlos Basham Jr. comes from a football family with established NFL connections. He is the cousin of Tarell Basham, who also plays in the NFL as a defensive end. This family lineage in professional football provided Basham with familiarity regarding the demands and expectations of playing at the highest level of American football. Having a family member who navigated the professional ranks offered both guidance and motivation throughout his developmental years.
Personal Life
Basham earned his nickname “Boogie” during his youth due to his fondness for dancing. This lighter side of his personality contrasts with his fierce on-field presence and demonstrates the well-rounded nature of his character. His journey from Roanoke, Virginia, to the NFL represents the fulfillment of a dream that began with his high school achievements and evolved through his collegiate success at Wake Forest. As a Roanoke native who became a professional athlete, Basham serves as a local success story for young football players in the Virginia region aspiring to reach the professional ranks.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a period of transition and opportunity for Carlos Basham Jr. After beginning the year with the Carolina Panthers organization, he navigated roster changes that tested his resilience and adaptability. His elevation from the Panthers practice squad for the Week 7 matchup against the New York Jets provided him with meaningful playing time and an opportunity to showcase his abilities at the active roster level.
Following his release from the Panthers in early November, Basham quickly found a new opportunity with the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad later that month. This move demonstrated his continued value as a professional football player capable of contributing to NFL organizations. His journey through three organizations within a single season highlighted the competitive nature of the league while reinforcing his determination to maintain his professional career.