Shaq Barrett's NFL Path: Waived, Waiting, and Potential Resurgence
In a recent roster shake-up, Shaq Barrett found himself waived by the Miami Dolphins, a move that ripples through the NFL as teams prepare for the final stretch of the season. The decision to waive Barrett came as the Dolphins opted to remove him from the reserve/retired list, after Barrett initially retired in July. This decision now opens the door for the linebacker to potentially re-ignite his NFL career.
Barrett's intent to return gained traction when he applied for reinstatement in late November, signaling his readiness to return to the field. Despite being on the reserve/retired list, Barrett’s efforts to make a comeback are now supported by the Dolphins' release, enabling the possibility for him to join another team.
Drew Rosenhaus, Barrett’s agent, highlighted the linebacker’s eagerness to get back into action. "We appreciate the Dolphins giving Shaq this opportunity to continue his career in the NFL," Rosenhaus stated. His optimism shines through as he continued, "Hopefully, he will pass through waivers and become a free agent so he can play again this season. He is in great shape and would be ready to play immediately."
Barrett’s career has been marked by significant contributions to his teams, particularly during his tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Over his career, which spans 131 regular-season games, Barrett has amassed 400 tackles and 59 sacks. Just last season, he demonstrated his defensive prowess by playing in 16 games, recording 52 tackles and 4.5 sacks for the Buccaneers.
If Barrett clears waivers by Friday, he will become a free agent, thus eligible to sign with any NFL team seeking to bolster their defense as they approach the post-season. This scenario provides not only Barrett but also teams in contention, such as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, currently holding an 8-7 record and the No. 8 seed in the conference, with a valuable opportunity. The Buccaneers, amongst others, could potentially benefit from Barrett’s experience and skill set as they strive for playoff success.
If a team does claim Barrett off waivers, however, they will be unable to utilize him for the rest of the current season. In such a situation, the claiming team would have to wait until the next season to see Barrett in action on the field. His eligibility, if unclaimed, begins in Week 18 and extends into the playoffs, making this a critical time for Barrett and teams interested in his capabilities.
As the waiver deadline approaches, the NFL community is keenly observing Barrett's status. Teams weighing the risk of claiming him now against securing his talent unrestricted later adds an intriguing layer to the story. For Barrett, the upcoming days are pivotal. Whether he will don a new jersey this season or wait until the offseason remains to be seen.
For the fans and franchises alike, the return of a player with Barrett's impressive track record is a narrative filled with anticipation and hope. Shaq Barrett, once a cornerstone of a formidable defense, looks to prove once more that he belongs on the field, ready to make impactful plays and chase new milestones.