ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter shared that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are releasing outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett. The Buccaneers released him before his $15.04 million bonus, due next month. Barrett joined Tampa Bay in 2019 after playing four seasons with the Denver Broncos.
The former Colorado State standout had 52 tackles. 4.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two pass deflections, and an interception last season. Barrett’s release gives Tampa Bay $43.6 million in cap space. During his time with the Buccaneers, he earned one All-Pro and two Pro Bowl selections.
Buccaneers are releasing two-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 27, 2024
Barrett had a $15.04 million option bonus due next month. Instead of collecting it, he now will become a free agent. pic.twitter.com/4We6T0zzXw
He also won Super Bowl 55 with Tampa Bay. He had eight sacks, 57 tackles, and two forced fumbles that year. It’s the second Super Bowl victory of his career, the first in Super Bowl 50 with the Broncos.
Barrett was an undrafted free agent when he signed with the Broncos in 2014. However, he did not play during his rookie season. A year later, he had 5.5 sacks, 50 tackles, four pass deflections, and four fumble recoveries.
His best year came in 2019 when he had a league-leading 19.5 sacks with 58 tackles, six forced fumbles, and two passes defended.
Shaquil Barrett signed a four-year, $68 million contract with the Buccaneers, set to expire in 2024. Spotrac estimates that he has earned $78.1 million in nine NFL seasons.
-Lance Fernandez