In a surprising bit of news on Saturday, former Bucs outside linebacker Shaq Barrett announced his retirement on social media. Barrett had signed with the Miami Dolphins in free agency after playing the previous five seasons with the Bucs. He informed the Dolphins of his decision and cited wanting to spend more time with his family in his social media post.

Shaq Barrett’s NFL Career

Bucs OLB Shaq Barrett – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Shaq Barrett began his career signing with the Denver Broncos in 2014 as an undrafted free agent out of Colorado State. After making the practice squad that year, he played in 61 games over the next four seasons in Denver, mostly as a backup behind top pass rushers Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware. He recorded 151 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, seven forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries while also winning Super Bowl 50 with the Broncos in the 2015 season.

His next move was in Tampa Bay as he signed with the Bucs in 2019 on a one-year, $5 million deal. It was a great opportunity for each side as the Bucs needed an edge rusher and Shaq Barrett wanted to prove he could be a starter in the league after being behind on the depth chart.

Historic Free Agent Signing

Bucs OLB Shaquil Barrett and Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes – Photo by: USA Today

The move immediately paid off as the fifth-year pass rusher logged 82 pressures and led the NFL with 19.5 sacks, which broke the Bucs franchise record for single-season sacks that was previously held by Warren Sapp. The signing was hailed as the off-season free-agent acquisition of the year. Barrett came in 4th in voting for Defensive Player of the Year and was named to the Pro Bowl while also garnering a 2nd team All-Pro nomination.

Tampa Bay retained the services of Shaq Barrett in 2020 via the franchise tag, guaranteeing him $15,828,000 on a one-year contract to see if his 2019 performance was an aberration or something he could keep up. Barrett followed up his career campaign with another 77 pressures and eight sacks. He proved huge in the playoffs, recording three sacks in the NFC Championship win over the Packers and recorded one sack with double-digit pressures in Super Bowl 55 as the Bucs defeated the Chiefs 31-9. This made Barrett a two-time Super Bowl champion.

Contract Renewal

Bucs OLB Shaq Barrett and Falcons QB Desmond Ridder – Photo by: USA Today

Barrett’s performance earned him another contract with the Bucs. Shaq Barrett recorded another double-digit sack campaign in 2021 with 10. He changed his number to seven for the 2022 season but unfortunately, he tore his Achilles in week eight, ending his year.  Barrett returned to play the entire 2023 season recording 52 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles.

The Bucs decided to release Barrett this offseason despite still having two years remaining on his contract. This opened up a roster spot for Tampa Bay and they filled out the roster spots at outside linebacker by drafting Chris Braswell in the second round and signing veteran Randy Gregory to an inexpensive deal. Barrett signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins in March. But ultimately, he decided to change his mind about it.

Barrett’s Legacy With Bucs

Shaq Barrett will be remembered as one of the greatest free agent signings in Bucs history and one of the best moves made by general manager Jason Licht. He was an instrumental part in the Bucs winning their Super Bowl in 2020 and will be etched in history with his sack record.

Barrett is beloved by Bucs fans and was always fantastic when talking to the media about whether the team was playing good or bad. Overall, he is a humble, great person who is respected by all. A leader and mentor in Tampa, Shaq Barrett will always be thought of positively in the Bucs community.