Multiple sources confirmed that two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Shaquil Barrett has applied for reinstatement to the National Football League after initially retiring before the 2024 season. The 32-year-old defensive stalwart signed a contract with the Miami Dolphins before announcing his retirement to spend more time with his family.
Therefore, the Dolphins hold Barrett’s contractual rights, and any team that would like to acquire his services must transact with the AFC East squad. Meanwhile, his former teammate, Gerald McCoy, defended Barrett’s impending return by posting this on X (formerly Twitter).
Shaq lost a whole kid and finished the season. Yes he signed with the Dolphins and never played. SO WHAT!?! Yall don’t know what his mental was. Yall have no idea his situation and a lot of yall are bashing him for coming back now. Man half yall can’t handle losing yall…
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) November 26, 2024
Before playing with the Dolphins, Barrett spent five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He helped the NFC South team win Super Bowl LV while earning Pro Bowl selections in 2019 and 2021.
During his first Pro Bowl season, Barrett led the league in sacks (19.5) with 58 tackles, 37 quarterback hits, six forced fumbles, and an interception. Two years later, he had 51 tackles, 22 QB hits, ten sacks, four passes defended, three forced fumbles, and an interception.
After going undrafted in 2014, the Denver Broncos signed Barrett to a three-year, $1.53 million contract. In his second season with the AFC West team, Barrett helped the Broncos win Super Bowl 50. The former Colorado State standout played five seasons for Denver before joining the Buccaneers.
Barrett has 400 tackles, 125 quarterback hits, 59 sacks, 22 forced fumbles, 18 passes defended, and three interceptions in 131 regular season games. He added 15 tackles, nine quarterback hits, four sacks, and an interception in 11 postseason games.
-Lance Fernandez