As we all know Shaq Barrett was an absolute gem of a free agency signing. Nobody expected him to perform the way he did last season and hopefully he continues being dominant in a Bucs uniform next season.
Seeing that the signing of Shaq worked out so well it had me wondering could this become a trend in Free Agency, finding players that aren’t as well known but are going to be two things; Cheap & Productive.
I was looking through a list of 2020 UFA Outside Linebackers, when I found a player with almost identical stats to Barrett before he came to Tampa.
Shaq Barrett @ DEN
61 GP / 15 STARTS - 14 SACKS - 7 FF - 25 TFL - 35 QB HITS
Snap Count - 2015 - 45%
2016 - 37%
2017 - 67%
2018 - 26%
Jeremiah Attaochu @ LAC/NYJ/DEN
61 GP / 18 STARTS - 15.5 SACKS - 3 FF - 25 TFL - 33 QB HITS
Snap Count - 2014 - 17%
2015 - 67%
2016 - 16%
2017 - 6%
2018 - 15%
2019 - 31%
Attaochu is 26 and is a UFA after playing for the Broncos this season. Finishing the year with 3.5 Sacks, 5 TFL and 5 QB Hits only playing 31% of snaps on the season. Barrett himself had 3 Sacks, 6 TFL and 7 QB Hits also for the Broncos on 26% of snaps the season before coming to the Bucs.
Attaochu has only ever had one season with a high percentage of snaps. That year was his second in the league and by far statistically his best; he had 6 Sacks, 15 TFL and 17 QB Hits. I can’t help but think this guy might be a great signing to add as pass rush depth.
If anyone was paying attention to what Shaq did this season then I’m sure a player with similar stats would be warranting much interest from across the league and hopefully at One Buc.
Hitting in Free Agency is going to be key this Off Season to ensure we’re playoff bound next year #GoBucs
