Tag: Shaq Barrett

Why did Warren Sapp reach out to Shaq Barrett on Instagram?

Find out what Hall of Famer Warren Sapp had to say to Shaq Barrett on Instagram after Barrett tied the franchise’s sack record.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a chance to finish the regular season on a high note. After a 3-7 start, the Bucs have won four-straight games and five of their last six to pull their record back to .500 at 7-7.

While quarterback Jameis Winston has been receiving much of the attention lately because of his historic play, the Bucs’ other star this season has been linebacker Shaquil Barrett, who joined the Bucs on a one-year deal in the offseason.

Barrett currently leads the league with 16.5 sacks, which is also tied for the Bucs’ single-season franchise record, along with Hall of Famer Warren Sapp. Turns out Sapp reached out to Barrett after the latter tied the record in Sunday’s 5 win over the Lions.

Take a look.

While Barrett is only signed through this season, it sounds like both sides are planning on him returning next year. Bruce Arians recently said Barrett “‘ain’t going nowhere,” and now, this update from Scott Smith makes it sound like Barrett is planning on returning, too.

The Bucs better not lose it. Barrett is a young athletic linebacker who is flourishing under Todd Bowles. Both Barrett and Devin White could anchor this defense for years to come.

That’d be good news for the Bucs, and bad news for the rest of the league.

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Year One: Shaq Barrett vs Simeon Rice

Over the years, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had their share of big names and playmakers join the team in free agency. Arguably, the best free agent pickup over the years has been defensive end, Simeon Rice. Rice joined the Buccaneers in 2001 …

Over the years, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had their share of big names and playmakers join the team in free agency. Arguably, the best free agent pickup over the years has been defensive end, Simeon Rice.

Rice joined the Buccaneers in 2001 following a five-year run with the Arizona Cardinals where he totaled 51.5 sacks, 220 tackles, 9 forced fumbles and one interception. Needless to say, he was a huge addition to a Bucs team that was already building a very scary defensive unit.

This year, Shaquil Barrett — who signed a one-year, $5 million deal in the offseason — is having a historic season for the Bucs. But how does that compare to Rice’s first season with the team?

In 18 years, of course the game has changed, and this isn’t comparing the players against each other, it’s pitting their free agency signings to see if Rice will be removed from his throne as the best in the organization’s history based on first year production alone.

Now, when Rice and Barrett signed their contracts, they were both joining very different teams. Just a year prior in 2000, the Bucs finished 10-6 and had the eighth ranked defense — whereas in 2018 the Bucs were a 5-11 team with the 31st ranked defense.

Rice’s first season in Tampa Bay was productive, however, it wasn’t until the second half of the season where he looked like the player that the Buccaneers thought they were bringing in. Rice totaled 44 tackles (16 for a loss), 11.0 sacks and 2 forced fumbles through all 16 games.

Barrett, who still has two games left on his first full season with the Buccaneers has 49 tackles (16 for a loss), 16.5 sacks and six forced fumbles through 14 games.

While Rice ended up spending six seasons with the Buccaneers, Barrett was brought in on a one-year contract. Coach Bruce Arians isn’t going to let Barrett go anywhere and plans on getting him on a longer deal.

The full six season numbers for Rice are an astonishing 242 tackles, 69.5 sacks, 19 forced fumbles and four interceptions. Huge numbers for anyone to stack up against.

As Buccaneers fans may remember the greatness that Rice brought to the team, the productivity that Barrett has brought his in first season have actually slanted the stats in his favor. It may be too early to put the best free agent title on Barrett, however, if they can keep him long term, and his productivity stays similar to that of this season, he may very well be the best free agent that the Buccaneers have ever brought in.

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Field Yates thinks Shaq Barrett’s Pro Bowl selection is a surprise, but that’s a good thing

See why NFL analyst Field Yates thinks Shaquil Barrett’s Pro Bowl selection is a big surprise. Hint: it’s a good thing.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may not be heading to the postseason, but at 7-7 and riding a four-game winning-streak the Bucs can actually look forward to what the future holds for them, which is something they haven’t been able to say in years past with much confidence.

The Bucs have shown tremendous growth this season under first-year head coach Bruce Arians, and, not surprisingly, three of his players have been selected to the 2020 Pro Bowl.

As ESPN analysts went through the roster shortly after its release, they wrote about what surprised them the most. Field Yates said Barrett’s selection was a surprise, but it’s not a shot at the Pro Bowl linebacker in anyway.

Here’s what Yates said:

“That Buccaneers outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett made it, and it was well-deserved. The surprise traces back to this offseason, as Barrett signed a one-year deal worth up to $5 million. He’s now the NFL’s leader in sacks (16.5) and a Pro Bowler. What a tremendous job by Barrett and outstanding signing by general manager Jason Licht.”

I doubt you’ll find many willing to argue that Barrett’s signing wasn’t the best move of the offseason. He’s more than exceeded his contract and has earned a big pay day when he becomes a free agent.

Barrett took to Instagram to post this message shortly after he was selected to the Pro Bowl.

Congrats to all three players!

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3 Buccaneers selected to the 2020 Pro Bowl

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had three players named to the 2020 Pro Bowl, but one name was noticeably absent.

Tuesday evening at 8pm, the NFL revealed the 2020 Pro Bowl rosters. Given the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ high-powered offense, it would have been shocking for their wide receiving duo not make the team. Both Chris Godwin and Mike Evans were selected to the team, although not listed as starters, since, as you’d expect, as they were both shut down with hamstring injuries.

Evans played 13 games this season before winding up on injured reserve, ending his season with 67 receptions, 1,157 yards and eight touchdowns. In Week 12, Evans joined Hall of Fame WR Randy Moss as the only receivers in NFL history to eclipse 1,000 yards in each of their first six seasons. While Godwin’s season isn’t officially over with a similar hamstring injury to Evans, his season will most likely finish with 86 receptions, 1,333 yards and nine touchdowns.

The league leader in sacks is the Bucs’ outside linebacker Shaq Barrett with 16.5, tied with Warren Sapp for the Bucs all-time record in a single season- He has two games remaining to stand alone with that record. Barrett signed a one-year contract with the Buccaneers in the offseason, and after the year he’s had you can expect the Bucs to do whatever it takes to keep him on the team long-term. Coach Bruce Arians stated he ain’t going anywhere.

Jameis Winston was not selected to the Pro Bowl, which is probably the most Jameis Winston thing that could have happened. In what is nothing short of a conundrum for this season, Winston’s 4,573 passing yards is leading the NFL, his 30 touchdown passes is 2nd only to MVP front-runner, Lamar Jackson’s 33, and of course the blemish is his league-leading 24 interceptions. I’d consider it a snub that he wasn’t named to the team.

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Bruce Arians says Shaq Barrett ‘ain’t going nowhere’

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians thinks linebacker and impending free agent Shaq Barrett will return in 2020.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on a four-game winning-streak after Sunday’s 38-17 win over the Detroit Lions. The Bucs saw quarterback Jameis Winston become the first player in NFL history to post back-to-back games with 450 yards passing.

On the defensive side, linebacker Shaquil Barrett had a sack that gave him 16.5 on the year, tying him with Hall of Famer Warren Sapp for the Bucs’ single-season record.

Without question, Barrett has been the best player on this defense all year. And, as a pending free agent, some Bucs fans may be worried these final two games will be the last they see of Barrett in a Tampa uniform.

But, according to Bruce Arians, it looks like Barrett will be wearing one for years to come. At least, that’s the plan.

For what it’s worth, Barrett seems to be all for staying in Tampa Bay next year. I’m sure striking a deal with him is at the top of the team’s to-do list once the season ends.

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A stat correction from Week 14 is great news for Shaq Barrett

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaq Barrett was awarded a full sack from Week 14’s win over the Colts, bringing his season total to 15.5.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaq Barrett has been a defensive monster all season long.

Heading into last Sunday’s Week 14 game against the Indianapolis Colts, Barrett had a league-leading 14.5 sacks, and was credited with half a sack in the Bucs’ 38-35 win over Indy to put his season (and league-leading) total  at 15.0.

That meant Barrett was closing in on Warren Sapp’s franchise record of 16.5 sacks set back in 2000. Well, turns out Barrett got closer to Sapp’s record on Sunday than originally thought.

Take a look.

The good news for Barrett is that the final two quarterbacks he’ll face this season — Deshaun Watson (HOU) and Matt Ryan (ATL) — currently rank 6th and 5th in sacks taken.

The Bucs could see a new single-season sack record by the end of the year and also see their quarterback throw for over 5,000 yards. What a first year for Bruce Arians in Tampa.

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NFL’s salary cap expected to make sizable jump in 2020, which is good news for Bucs

The NFL announced the expected salary cap for 2020 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers look like they’ll have money to spend.

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the NFL informed teams on Tuesday that the league projects the 2020 salary cap to fall in the range of $196.8 million to $201.2 million, which would mark a 40 percent increase from five years ago when the cap was $143.3 million.

That’s great news for the Buccaneers, who according to Over the Cap are projected to have over $90 million in cap space. With linebacker Shaq Barrett slated to become a free agent, and quarterback Jameis Winston playing on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract, Tampa Bay will have money to spend, but will need to be wise about their investments.

Working out a multi-year deal with Barrett seems like the best course of action for the team, while giving Winston a short term deal (possibly even the franchise tag) would be the best approach for a quarterback who has yet to lead the Bucs to the postseason in any of his five seasons.

Tampa Bay was officially eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday when the Detroit Lions lost to the Minnesota Vikings. The Bucs haven’t made the postseason since 2007, and haven’t won a playoff game since their victory in Super Bowl XXXVII.

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Shaq Barrett is on verge of becoming Bucs’ single-season sack leader

With three games left to go in the season, Bucs linebacker Shaq Barrett has a shot at becoming the franchise’s single-season sack leader.

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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Here’s one reason why Shaq Barrett wants to be in Tampa next year

See why Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaq Barrett would love to return to the Bucs next season.

Even the Tampa Bay Buccaneers couldn’t have anticipated the type of season linebacker Shaq Barrett has put together when they signed him to a one-year deal in the offseason.

The former Denver Bronco and Super Bowl 50 champion has been a revelation for the Bucs defense this season. He leads the league in sacks with 14.5, including a four-sack performance in Week 3 against the New York Giants.

Barrett just turned 27 in mid-November, so you can be sure that teams will be lining up this offseason to vie for his services. But, if you’re a Bucs fan and worried about Barrett taking his talents elsewhere, you might be happy to hear that he’d prefer to stay in Tampa Bay. And, his reason is a good one.

Take a look.

Seriously, who doesn’t hate moving? It’s a pain for everyone involved, and let’s be honest, living in Florida year-round isn’t exactly a negative, especially if you’re making bank (no state income tax!).

Of course, it’ll all come down to dollars and cents and whether or not the Bucs can meet his demands. But, given how much Barrett has flourished in his first season playing under Todd Bowles, it seems like a mutually beneficial relationship for both parties. Plus, having Barrett lining up alongside Devin White for years to come would make this young defense that much more imposing.

We’ll just have to wait and see…

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Shaq Barrett tops NFL.com’s list of free agents who have made themselves money this year

See why Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com thinks Bucs LB Shaq Barrett has earned himself a big payday this year.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense held Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan in check in Week 12 as the Bucs downed the red-hot Falcons on the road, 35-22.

And, once again, at the center of all the defensive action was Bucs linebacker Shaq Barrett, who finished the day with a sack and five quarterback hits. Barrett, who signed a one-year deal in the offseason with the Bucs, now has 12.5 sacks on the year, tied with Chandler Jones of the Arizona Cardinals for the league lead.

Barrett has already matched Jason Pierre-Paul’s sack total from last season, when he became the first Buccaneer since Simeon Rice in 2005 to record double-digit sacks in a single season.

The stellar play of Barrett has not only earned him the respect and admiration of his teammates and Bucs fans everywhere, but, according to Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com, it’s earned the soon-to-be free agent a big day, too. Rosenthal listed Barrett at No. 1 on his list of free agents who have made themselves money this season.

Here’s his explanation:

“Bucs outside linebacker Shaq Barrett’s monster performance against the Falcons’ Jake Matthews on Sunday was a reminder that Barrett has mostly maintained his scorching start to the season. Barrett had a sack, a pass defensed, a forced fumble, four more quarterback hits and five hurries, according to Pro Football Focus, in addition to forcing a few backbreaking penalties by Matthews. Signed to a one-year contract worth up to $5 million before this season, Barrett will be a strong candidate for the franchise tag.”

The Bucs have a lot of big question marks they’ll have to face at the end of the season, namely, what to do with quarterback Jameis Winston. Retaining Barrett’s services, though, whether through a long-term contract or the franchise tag, should be their top priority.

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