The Winding Road of the NFL: Shaquil Barrett Returns to Tampa Bay
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to sign linebacker Shaquil Barrett to their 53-man roster, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. Barrett, 31, was waived by the Miami Dolphins on Thursday from their reserve/retired list, bringing an end to an extended stalemate.
Barrett was initially released by the Buccaneers at the end of last season and signed with the Dolphins in free agency. However, he announced his retirement over the summer, only to apply to be reinstated at the end of November. The Dolphins declined his request, but Barrett was eventually waived, clearing the way for him to sign with another team.
Barrett returns to the Buccaneers, where he played for five seasons prior to his retirement, earning two Pro Bowl nods and recording a league-high 19.5 sacks in 2019. He has played nine seasons in the NFL, accumulating 400 tackles, 125 QB hits, 73 tackles for loss, 59 sacks, 22 forced fumbles, and three interceptions in 131 games.
The Buccaneers will decide whether to make Barrett active for Sunday’s crucial game against the Carolina Panthers, which is a must-win contest for the team to stay in the hunt for the NFC South title. With two games left in the season, it remains to be seen whether Barrett will be ready to contribute on a short turnaround.