Shaquil Barrett has reversed course again and reportedly filed paperwork to be reinstated, four months after he abruptly retired in July. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher has applied to make an immediate return to the NFL.
The Miami Dolphins signed Barrett, a former Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers pass rusher, to a one-year deal in March. But he announced his retirement from the league in July, just days before he was due to report for training camp, citing a desire to shift his focus to his wife and kids.
In his absence, the Dolphins struggled to rush the passer early in the season as Bradley Chubb has yet to return from an ACL tear that ended his 2023 season, and Jaelan Phillips suffered a season-ending knee injury in September. But the Miami pass rush has improved in recent weeks with the emergence of first-round rookie Chop Robinson, who has 3.5 sacks in the last four weeks.
Still, there’s room for more improvement. Behind starters Robinson and Emmanuel Ogbah, who have 3.5 sacks each, only Quinton Bell has recorded a sack. The Dolphins signed Tyus Bowser for depth in October, but he has struggled and has recorded only four pressures in seven games.
The eventual return of Chubb could provide a boost, but the Dolphins may be interested to see if Barrett still has what it takes to make an impact down the stretch. On the other hand, Miami may be inclined to part with the veteran who never even arrived at training camp after signing with the team.
It’s also unclear for now if Barrett is eying a role with Miami in his return. However, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald says the pass rusher isn’t hunting for a way off the Dolphins’ roster.
Shaq Barrett would be fine playing for the Dolphins, per source. Dolphins own his rights and he has applied to come out of retirement.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) November 26, 2024
Barrett, 32, earned Pro Bowl nods in 2019 and 2021 while with the Buccaneers. In nine seasons, he has 59 career sacks, including a league-leading 19.5 in 2019.
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