Will he play the remainder of the 2024 season with the Miami Dolphins?
Four months after Miami Dolphins linebacker Shaq Barrett decided to hang up the cleats and retire, the veteran pass-rusher is now looking to unretire and return to the gridiron, according to his agent, Drew Rosenahus.
ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter was the first to report the news on Twitter.
Former Pro-Bowl LB Shaq Barrett, who announced his retirement from the NFL in July, has applied to be reinstated to play immediately, per his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey. Barrett is coming out of retirement. The Dolphins currently hold Barrett’s contractual rights. pic.twitter.com/sImEbWJ4Ni
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 26, 2024
Barrett, 32, retired in July, saying he was “ready to shift his full focus to his wife and kids and helping them realize their dreams.” There’s still plenty of time for Barrett to do those things he set out to do, but for now, he’s looking to return in hopes of making an impact on a playoff-caliber team. Could that be the Dolphins?
According to Josh Mozer, Drew Rosenhaus is leaving a potential return to Miami up to the Dolphins, saying, “It all depends on the Dolphins and what they want to do…
Barrett spent five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before signing with the Dolphins this offseason. Throughout his 10-year NFL Career, the former undrafted free agent from Colorado State has recorded 400 tackles, 59 sacks, 22 forced fumbles, three interceptions, and one touchdown.
Could the team have used a player of Barrett’s caliber earlier in the year? Absolutely. His presence was definitely missed on the defensive line, especially as fans and coaches anxiously waited for Chop Robinson to start getting some reps under his belt. But could Miami use him now, given how well the defense seems to be playing together? That’s a question that’s above my pay grade.
That said, the team can never have too many pass-rushers. And if the team can get back to .500 vs. the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night, Barrett may get his wish of joining a playoff contender.
What are your thoughts on Shaq Barrett’s announcement to unretire? Do you think the Dolphins should keep his services? Or is it too little, too late for the 32-year-old linebacker? Let us know in the comments section below!
