Bucs outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett made a lot of his money rushing from the right side in 2019.

In what was his first year with Tampa Bay, Barrett led the NFL with 19.5 sacks while also forcing six fumbles. And because Jason Pierre-Paul was sidelined for the early part of the season, Barrett often lined up on the right, matching up with the left tackle.

For the season, he played 480 snaps on the right side and 383 on the left, according to Pro Football Focus. And it sure paid off. As Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds pointed out in a recent SR’s Fab 5, Barrett recorded 13 of his sacks and five of his forced fumbles rushing from the right side that year.

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

However, because Pierre-Paul often preferred lining up on the right, Barrett hasn’t seen as many snaps from that side during the last two years. But with the Bucs moving on from the veteran pass rusher this offseason, might that mean more of Barrett on the right in 2022?

“I feel confident and comfortable on both sides,” Barrett said at the start of Bucs training camp. “But we will switch a little bit more this year – just so we switch it up on defense. I mean, keep offenses guessing what we are doing so we won’t be a one-trick pony.”

But does Barrett prefer the right side?

“I mean, you can’t argue with the numbers, but I do like both sides,” Barrett said with a smile. “Maybe the right side a little bit more because the quarterback can’t see me.”

The numbers do back up Barrett preferring the right side. However, it’s not like he was ineffective from the left – or switching it up and splitting time between both sides. He still notched eight sacks and two forced fumbles during the 2020 regular season. He added four more sacks in the playoffs, too. Then, in 2021, he posted double-digit sack numbers for the second time in three seasons. His 10 sacks and three forced fumbles were enough to earn him his second career Pro Bowl nod.

Heading into 2022, Barrett is the unquestioned No. 1 in the outside linebacker room. Second-year up-and-comer Joe Tryon-Shoyinka will play opposite him, while Anthony Nelson and Cam Gill are the two reserves at the position.

Whether Tampa Bay rolls with that group or adds another veteran before September remains to be seen. But Barrett clearly feels okay on either side of the defense – even if the right side has a slight edge.