CSU football legend Shaquil Barrett smiles for a photo before the game against Colorado in the Rocky Mountain Showdown at Canvas Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Fort Collins, Colo.

Dolphins waiving LB Shaq Barrett from reserve/retired list

The Miami Dolphins are waiving two-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher Shaquil Barrett from the reserve/retired list on Thursday, his agent confirmed to ESPN.

Barrett, 32, would be eligible to play again this season if he clears waivers and signs with another team. If another team claims him, however, the veteran linebacker would be ineligible to play the rest of this season.

“We appreciate the Dolphins giving Shaq this opportunity to continue his career in the NFL,” said Drew Rosenhaus, Barrett’s agent. “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 announced his retirement in July, four months after signing a one-year, $9 million deal with the Dolphins.

He had a change of heart and applied for reinstatement on Nov. 26, but Miami did not greenlight that opportunity.

Undrafted out of Colorado State in 2014, Barrett has played in 131 games (85 starts) across nine seasons with the Denver Broncos (2014-18) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019-23). He won Super Bowls with both franchises and recorded 400 tackles (73 for loss), 59 sacks, 22 forced fumbles and three interceptions.

His best season came with the Buccaneers in 2019, when he led the NFL with 19.5 sacks and was named to his first Pro Bowl. His 10-sack season in 2021 earned him another Pro Bowl nod.

–Field Level Media

Jun 4, 2024; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Shaquil Barrett (58) works out during mandatory minicamp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

LB Shaq Barrett files for reinstatement from retirement

Two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Shaq Barrett wants to return to the football field.

Barrett’s agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey told ESPN that their client applied for reinstatement, with the expressed goal being cleared for an immediate return to action.

The news comes five months after Barrett announced his retirement from the NFL. The Miami Dolphins retained his contractual rights after Barrett signed a one-year, $9 million deal in March.

Undrafted out of Colorado State in 2014, Barrett made two Pro Bowls and played in 131 games (85 starts) across nine NFL seasons with the Denver Broncos (2014-18) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019-23).

Barrett, 31, recorded 400 tackles (73 for loss), 59 sacks, 22 forced fumbles and three interceptions over his career.

His best season came with the Buccaneers in 2019, when he led the NFL with 19.5 sacks and was named to his first Pro Bowl. His 10-sack season in 2021 earned him another Pro Bowl nod.

Barrett won two Super Bowls, one with the Broncos as a rookie in 2015, then with the Buccaneers in 2020.

–Field Level Media

Jan 15, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis III (24) gestures after a play against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of a 2024 NFC wild card game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Bucs trade CB Carlton Davis to Lions, waive DE Shaq Barrett

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday announced the trade of veteran cornerback Carlton Davis III to Detroit in exchange for a third-round pick in April’s NFL draft.

The Bucs send the Lions a sixth-round pick in this year’s draft and a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Bucs also officially released veteran linebacker Shaquil Barrett, a move that will provide nearly $5 million in salary cap relief.

Davis, 27, spent his first six NFL seasons with the Buccaneers and has nine interceptions, four fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and 324 tackles in 76 games (75 starts).

He had a career-best four interceptions in 2020 when he earned a Super Bowl ring with Tampa Bay.

“It’s always difficult to part ways with a player that has meant so much to your organization” Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said in a release. “Carlton was a vital member of our Super Bowl championship team and has been a tremendous teammate over the past six seasons.”

During his press conference with the Lions, Davis didn’t shy away from expectations with his new club.

“You’re about to get a lockdown corner. I’m here to take out the No. 1 receiver on any team,” Davis said Wednesday. “I’m here to deny the ball, I’m here to take the ball away.”

Barrett, 31, had an option bonus of $15.04 million due next month. The Bucs will designate the nine-year veteran as a post-June 1 cut, enabling them to divide his $26.67 million dead cap costs over 2024 and 2025. That means a $9.3 million cap hit in 2024 and $17.5 million in 2025, per reports.

After being let go, Barrett reportedly agreed to a one-year, $9 million deal with the Miami Dolphins.

Barrett started 16 games in 2023, equaling his career high, and delivered 4.5 sacks, 52 tackles, three forced fumbles and one interception (a pick-six in a Week 2 win against the Chicago Bears).

He has 59 sacks, 125 quarterback hits, 22 forced fumbles and 400 tackles in 131 games (85 starts) with the Denver Broncos (2015-18) and Buccaneers. He won Super Bowl 50 with Denver and SB LV with Tampa Bay.

“We are extremely thankful for everything Shaq brought to our organization over the last five years,” Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said in a release. “He was an impactful player and a tremendous person, who was a key part of the successes we have had here. These are always difficult decisions, but this one was that much harder due to the special feelings we have for Shaq, Jordanna and the Barrett family.”

–Field Level Media

Kenny Pickett (8) of the Pittsburgh Steelers avoids being sacked by Shaquil Barrett (58) of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on October 16, 2022.

Pittsburgh Steelers Vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 6

Bucs’ Shaq Barrett: ‘Daily battle’ coping with daughter’s death

Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Shaq Barrett admitted Monday that he is doing the best he can to keep occupied following the tragic loss of his daughter.

Barrett’s 2-year-old daughter, Arrayah, drowned in the family’s pool on May 1 in Tampa, Fla.

“It’s a daily battle, a tough battle,” Barrett said in his first public comments since Arrayah’s passing. “I felt it heavier today than I did the last couple of days. It just comes in waves. (Wife Jordanna and I) just talk to each other, talk through it with each other and just lean on each other to get ourselves through, and lean on the Lord, as well.”

Barrett, 30, admitted that football is serving as a bit of a welcome distraction.

“Yeah, because like this morning it was hitting me hard,” he said. “Getting ready for practice helped me get my mind off of it a little bit just focusing on something else. I’ve got a lot of time in the day when I’m just in my head thinking about stuff and thinking about her. So having to actually think about what I’m doing right in the moment helps me out a lot and helps the family out a lot when we’re doing stuff and trying to stay busy.”

Barrett and his family will be even busier down the road, as Jordanna is pregnant with another daughter.

“We know there is no replacing Arrayah. There is nothing ever in this world that can happen to replace our baby girl,” Barrett said. “But us having another baby girl is a super blessing because I wanted another girl really bad. I would’ve been happy either way, but having another girl — baby Allanah when she comes … the whole situation made me nervous in general about having another kid because accidents happen, but Jordanna was telling me I can’t think like that. I just have to stay strong, have faith and believe.

“Once I saw the heartbeat, I started to relax a bit and the excitement took over and worry went away. I’m just excited for my family and excited in general to have a new addition to our family in February.”

Barrett has spent the last four seasons with Tampa Bay after four campaigns with the Denver Broncos. He appeared in just eight games (all starts) during the 2022 campaign, recording three sacks and 31 tackles. He missed the rest of the season with a torn Achilles.

In 115 career games (69 starts), Barrett has totaled 54.5 sacks, 348 tackles (70 for loss) and 19 forced fumbles. He led the NFL with 19.5 sacks in 2019, his first season with Tampa Bay.

–Field Level Media

Sep 11, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA;  Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) hits his hand against Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett (58) as he throws the ball during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Bucs LB Shaq Barrett announces passing of 2-year-old daughter

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaq Barrett’s 2-year-old daughter died on Sunday morning after drowning in a swimming pool at the family’s Tampa, Fla., home.

According to a statement from the Tampa Police Department, officers arrived at the scene just before 9:30 a.m. after receiving a call that stated a child had fallen into a pool. That child was Barrett’s daughter, Arrayah, who was taken to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead following life-saving efforts by first responders.

The incident is currently under investigation, but is not presumed to be suspicious, according to Tampa police.

“Today’s tragic news is heartbreaking for all members of the Buccaneers family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Shaq, Jordanna and the entire Barrett family during this unimaginably difficult time,” the Buccaneers said in a statement.

“While no words can provide true comfort at a time such as this, we offer our support and love as they begin to process this very profound loss of their beloved Arrayah.”

Teams across the NFL extended their condolences to Shaq Barrett and his family over social media. Arrayah Barrett was the youngest of four children.

Shaq Barrett, 30, has spent the last four seasons with Tampa Bay after four seasons with the Denver Broncos. He appeared in eight games (all starts) during the 2022 campaign, recording three sacks and 31 tackles.

In 115 career games (69 starts), Shaq Barrett has totaled 54.5 sacks, 348 tackles (70 for loss) and 19 forced fumbles. He also has five fumble recoveries and two interceptions. He led the NFL with 19.5 sacks in 2019, his first season with Tampa Bay.

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA;  Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett (58) sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Bucs LB Shaq Barrett (torn Achilles) out for season

Tampa Bay Buccaneers star linebacker Shaq Barrett will sit out the remainder of the season with a torn Achilles, multiple media outlets reported on Friday.

An MRI on Friday confirmed the tear of the Achilles for Barrett, who is expected to be sidelined seven-to-nine months.

Barrett sustained the injury during the third quarter of the Buccaneers’ 27-22 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday. Coach Todd Bowles told reporters after the game that “it doesn’t look good.”

Barrett, 29, recorded 31 tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble in eight games (all starts) this season.

A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Barrett has 348 tackles, 54.5 sacks, 19 forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries in 115 career games (69 starts) with the Denver Broncos (2015-18) and Buccaneers.

–Field Level Media

Feb 7, 2021; Tampa, FL, USA;  Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett (58) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium.  Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Agent: Shaq Barrett, Bucs agree to four-year contract

Dec 26, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara (95) warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and free-agent pass rusher Shaq Barrett agreed to a four-year contract worth up to $72 million that includes $36 million guaranteed, his agent Drew Rosenhaus told multiple media outlets Monday.

Per the NFL Network, the base value of the deal is $17 million annually, with escalators involving 15 sacks and qualifying for the postseason pushing that total to $18 million per year.

Barrett’s pact comes on the heels of the reigning Super Bowl champions working out contracts with linebackers Lavonte David and Keith Minter last week.

Barrett, 28, recorded 57 tackles, eight sacks and two forced fumbles while starting 15 games in 2020. He earned his lone Pro Bowl selection in 2019 after leading the league with a career-high 19.5 sacks.

All told, Barrett has 266 tackles, 41.5 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one interception in 92 career games (46 starts) with the Denver Broncos (2014-18) and Tampa Bay.

–Field Level Media