The Tampa Bay Buccaneers reunited with one of the best defenders in their franchise’s history as they continue their push for a playoff spot.
Outside linebacker Shaquil ‘Shaq’ Barrett signed with the Bucs on a one-year contract on Saturday, two days after the Miami Dolphins waived him.
Barrett, who set the Tampa Bay franchise record for sacks in a single season (19.5) in 2019, played for the Buccaneers for five years – from 2019 to 2023. The team cut the veteran pass rusher in March as part of their salary cap management efforts, and he went on to sign with the Dolphins.
Barrett announced his retirement from the NFL in July, before he had even played a game for Miami. But in late November, the 32-year-old applied for reinstatement with the intention to play for the Dolphins. Miami declined to activate the edge rusher off its reserve/retired list and ultimately waived him the day after Christmas.
All things Buccaneers: Latest Tampa Bay Buccaneers news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.
When Barrett cleared waivers on Friday, his former team swooped in to offer a chance at a reunion. The two sides agreed to terms, and the veteran signed his new contract on Saturday.
The outside linebacker will not be active for the Buccaneers’ Week 17 clash with the Carolina Panthers, but he could be ready to play in Week 18 against the New Orleans Saints.
Tampa Bay is currently tied for first place in the NFC South with the Atlanta Falcons, but Atlanta holds the head-to-head tiebreaker.
The Buccaneers will need to gain some ground on either the Falcons or the Washington Commanders – the current owners of the third wild-card spot – in the next two weeks to make the playoffs for a fifth consecutive season.