Carlos Basham Bio
Carlos “Boogie” Basham Jr. (born December 16, 1997) is an American professional football linebacker. After beginning his NFL career with the Buffalo Bills, he has spent time with the New York Giants, the Carolina Panthers, and the Las Vegas Raiders, while also playing for the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL). Selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft, Basham has built a reputation as an athletic and versatile defender at the outside linebacker position.
Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 274 pounds, Basham combines size with quickness and has contributed as both a pass rusher and a run defender. He is currently listed as an outside linebacker wearing number 90 for the DC Defenders.
Early Life and Background
Carlos Basham Jr. was born on December 16, 1997, in Roanoke, Virginia. He grew up in the same city and attended Northside High School in Roanoke, where he developed into a highly regarded football prospect. His family background includes a strong athletic tradition, as he is the cousin of NFL defensive end Tarell Basham.
As a senior at Northside, Basham posted 76 tackles and seven sacks, drawing the attention of college recruiters around the region. He earned the nickname “Boogie” because of his fondness for dancing in his youth, a detail that has followed him throughout his football career. His combination of size, athleticism, and production in high school set the stage for a smooth transition to the college level.
Path to American Football
After completing his high school career, Basham committed to Wake Forest University to play college football. He joined the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in 2016 and redshirted his first year to develop his body and his game. The early decision to attend Wake Forest allowed him to grow within a single program and prepare for the demands of higher-level competition.
Basham quickly progressed through the Wake Forest depth chart and earned an expanded role on the field. His steady development and consistent production at the collegiate level positioned him as one of the top defensive prospects in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Carlos Basham Career
Early Career (2016–2020)
During his time at Wake Forest, Basham redshirted in 2016 before playing in all 13 games in 2017, recording 24 tackles as he adjusted to the college level. As a junior in 2018, he totaled 64 tackles and 4.5 sacks, showing the pass-rushing ability that would later define his professional profile.
He returned as a starter in 2019 and earned First-team All-ACC honors that season. Basham announced on December 21, 2019, that he would return to Wake Forest for his senior year in 2020, and he went on to earn Third-team All-ACC recognition, finishing his college career as one of the most productive defensive linemen in program history.
Buffalo Bills Breakthrough (2021–2022)
Basham was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the second round, 61st overall, of the 2021 NFL draft. He officially signed with the Bills on May 12, 2021, and as a rookie appeared in eight games, finishing with 2.5 sacks and 18 total tackles while adjusting to the professional game.
In 2022, Basham became a more consistent contributor for the Bills. On September 8, 2022, during the kickoff game against the Los Angeles Rams, he recorded his first career interception, a 21-yard pick off Matthew Stafford that helped seal a 31–10 Buffalo victory. He also recorded a sack on Stafford earlier in the same game and finished the season with two sacks, 19 total tackles, one interception, two passes defended, and one fumble recovery across 15 games. He added a sack in the Bills’ Wild Card Round win over the Miami Dolphins.
New York Giants Era (2023–2024)
On August 29, 2023, Basham was traded to the New York Giants along with a 2025 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick. He appeared in 13 games during the 2023 season as he worked to establish a role in the Giants’ defensive rotation.
On October 22, 2024, Basham was waived by the Giants and re-signed to the team’s practice squad, where he continued to develop and provide depth. His time in New York offered him the chance to expand his responsibilities and contribute on special teams.
Las Vegas Raiders Era (2025)
After a brief stint with the Carolina Panthers, where he signed a reserve/future contract on January 21, 2025, and was later released and re-signed to the practice squad, Basham joined the Las Vegas Raiders on November 25, 2025, when he was signed to the team’s practice squad. His move to Las Vegas marked a fresh opportunity to compete for an active roster spot.
Basham’s transition to the Raiders represented another step in a journeyman phase of his career, allowing him to showcase his versatility and experience in a new defensive scheme.
Driving Style and Strengths
Basham is recognized for his athleticism and his ability to play in multiple defensive roles. His combination of size, length, and quickness allows him to contribute as both an edge rusher and a run-stopping linebacker. His background as a college pass rusher has translated into the ability to pressure quarterbacks while also holding up in coverage when asked.
Notable Events and Milestones
Basham’s first career interception against the Rams in the 2022 season opener stands out as a defining early moment in his NFL career. He has also contributed in the postseason, recording a sack in a Bills Wild Card victory, and earned First-team All-ACC honors in 2019, a milestone that helped launch his professional career.
Carlos Basham Career Wins
Carlos Basham has accumulated production across multiple NFL stops and continues to add to his professional resume. His career NFL totals through the 2024 season include 57 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, three pass deflections, and one interception, reflecting a steady contributor role.
NFL Highlights
Basham’s most memorable NFL performance came in the 2022 season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, when he recorded his first career interception and a sack. He finished that season with two sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery across 15 games, and added a sack in the Bills’ playoff win over the Dolphins. With the New York Giants, he appeared in 13 games during the 2023 season.
Other Performances
At Wake Forest, Basham earned First-team All-ACC recognition in 2019 and Third-team All-ACC recognition in 2020, marking him as one of the conference’s top defensive players. He joined the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL) on March 12, 2026, continuing his professional career.
Carlos Basham Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Carlos “Boogie” Basham Jr. comes from a family with a clear athletic connection to professional football. He is the cousin of NFL defensive end Tarell Basham, giving the family a notable presence in the league and a shared background in defensive football.
Personal Life
Basham is known by the nickname “Boogie,” which he earned because of his love of dancing during his younger years. The nickname has stayed with him throughout high school, college, and his professional career, becoming a familiar part of his identity on and off the field.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a period of transition for Carlos Basham. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Carolina Panthers on January 21, 2025, and was later released and re-signed to the practice squad before being released again on November 4, 2025. During his time with the Panthers, he was elevated from the practice squad for Carolina’s Week 7 game against the New York Jets on October 18.
On November 25, 2025, Basham signed with the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad, opening a new chapter in his professional journey. He joined the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL) on March 12, 2026, continuing to compete at a high level.