When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed free agent linebacker Shaq Barrett to a one-year deal in the offseason, even they couldn’t have envisioned the type of season he’d have in 2019.
Through 14 weeks, Barrett leads the NFL with 15.0 sacks, throwing himself into the mix for Defensive Player of the Year honors. Even though he’s only signed through 2019, it’s clear that both Barrett and the Bucs would love to have him return next year and beyond to help anchor this defense along with rookie superstar Devin White.
Not only has Barrett exceeded expectations (and his contract), but he needs just two sacks in the final three games to surpass Hall of Famer and former Buccaneer Warren Sapp’s single-season record of 16.5 sacks, set back in 2000.
The good news for Barrett, and the Bucs defense, is that the final two quarterbacks they face this season — Deshaun Watson (HOU) and Matt Ryan (ATL) — currently rank 6th and 5th in sacks taken, so Barrett will get plenty of chances to get the record.
It’s been a baptism by fire for this young Buccaneers defense this season, but Barrett has been a consistent force throughout. And, with just three games left, he has a chance to leave a permanent mark on this franchise by capturing the title of single-season sack leader.
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