TAMPA, Fla. — Outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett will sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pending a physical, multiple reports say.
Barrett, 32, is reportedly coming out of retirement and joining the Miami Dolphins after being removed from their roster this week. Barrett was claimed off waivers on Friday after the team decided not to resign him after the 2023 season, paving the way for the Bucks to bring him back.
According to Greg Orman of Fox Sports, the former Pro Bowler will remain on the Bucks’ 53-man roster rather than the practice squad.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Barrett is scheduled to sign with Tampa Bay on Saturday.
If he makes the roster, Barrett could make his season debut as early as Sunday when Tampa Bay takes on the Carolina Panthers in a key game for the Bucs’ playoff hopes.
The outside linebacker signed with the Bucs in 2019. In five seasons, he recorded 249 tackles, 45 sacks, three interceptions, and 15 forced fumbles. Barrett also helped lead Tampa Bay’s defense, helping the team win its second Super Bowl in the 2020 season. He appeared in three Pro Bowls as a Buccaneer. And in 2019, Barrett set a club record for most sacks in a season with 19.5 sacks.
This move comes as no surprise to Bucks fans.
Tampa Bay struggles to get to the quarterback despite having the seventh-best rushing defense this year. Barrett is familiar with head coach Todd Bowles’ schemes and should be able to pick up speed and make an immediate impact as the team continues to make the playoffs in the final two games of the season.
Off the field, Barrett had to navigate playing the 2023 season while also dealing with the death of his daughter. On April 30, 2023, Barrett’s daughter Alayah fell into the family’s pool in Tampa and drowned.
A heartwarming moment was shared with Bucks fans after Barrett dedicated a pick-six and touchdown to his daughter in Week 2 of last season against Chicago.
“I’ve always played for my family,” he said after the game. It’ll never stop and it’ll always be awful, but at least I can give her a little bit of the spotlight. ”
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Unlicensed contractor in Florida faces bail typically imposed on murderers and violent criminals
