After sitting behind a number of talented pass-rushers like Von Miller, Bradley Chubb and Shane Ray in Denver, outside linebacker Shaq Barrett bet on himself by signing a one-year contract with Tampa Bay worth $4 million.
The strategy is surely working thus far as Barrett leads the league with 14.5 sacks and six forced fumbles on the season, putting him in position for a big pay day this coming offseason. Now just two sacks shy of Tampa Bay’s single-season sack record set by Warren Sapp back in 2000, Barrett’s has himself in the conversation with Buc greats like Sapp, Simeon Rice and Lee Roy Selmon.
Ex-Bucs DT Warren Sapp and DE Greg Spries – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles spoke to the media about his star edge rusher earlier in the week.
“I’m happy for Shaq. I don’t compare him to those guys,” Bowles said. “I know they had legendary careers and they’re all great players but the way he came in and worked and put him in that position. It’s a credit to him, coming in after the off-season and buying in and doing all the right things so it’s really a credit to Shaq himself.”
In his most productive season prior to 2019, Barrett started six games where he tallied 5.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and eight tackles for loss. To call his production a pleasant surprise to many in Tampa is very understandable, but his production has even raised the eyebrows of Bowles, who likely played a key part in scouting Barrett before his signing.
“We knew he was a solid player,” Bowles said. “I didn’t know how much of a pass rusher he was. I knew he could do a lot of things for us and that he was versatile in that way and when we got him in, with his array of pass rush moves and understanding of the game.”
DC Todd Bowles – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Bowles continued.
“He probably surprised us a little bit, having heavy hands and being able to play the run as well, from that aspect. Along with the other guys on the D-Line, it’s helped out it’s helped out and he’s gotten on a role and when he smells blood in the water he’s hungry. He’s done a great job.”
But it isn’t just Barrett’s 2019 production that the Bucs have to take into account when looking forward. As previously mentioned, with Barrett in position to get a large, multi-year contract prior to the 2020 season, Tampa Bay has to be confident that Barrett’s numbers aren’t a mirage or a flash in the pan if they plan on being the ones paying him.
“I don’t know,” Bowles answered when asked if he believes Barrett can keep his play up for seasons to come. “I can’t look ahead but I can look forward to the next couple of games. I think he’s on a roll right now, he’s found a groove where he’s playing well and I’m very happy with that.”
