Shaq Barrett Released by Dolphins: Pro Bowler Hopes for Postseason Return

The Miami Dolphins have officially released veteran pass rusher Shaq Barrett, just a month after the Pro Bowler requested either to return to the team or to be released. This decision follows a complicated offseason for Barrett, who initially signed with the Dolphins as a free agent before unexpectedly retiring a week before training camp.

Barrett, now subject to waivers, can be claimed by any of the league’s 31 other teams by 4 p.m. Friday. Should he clear waivers, Barrett will become a free agent and can sign with a team of his choosing. The 31-year-old, who has amassed 59 career sacks during a nine-season career with the Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, reportedly has his sights set on joining a postseason-bound team.

“We appreciate the Dolphins giving Shaq this opportunity to continue his career in the NFL,” Barrett’s agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN. “Hopefully, he will pass through waivers and become a free agent so he can play again this season. He is in great shape and ready to play immediately.”

A Complicated Path to Return

Barrett’s release marks a reversal of the Dolphins’ previous stance, as the team initially declined to reinstate him from retirement after he applied for reinstatement last month. This left Barrett in limbo, unable to collect a salary or play elsewhere. However, Miami’s decision to release Barrett now allows the team to potentially avoid cap ramifications stemming from his spring signing while giving the edge rusher a chance to revive his career.

“The timing I don’t think was necessarily ideal,” Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said when addressing Barrett’s situation after a 30-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Despite ongoing struggles at the edge rusher position, Miami ultimately decided against bringing Barrett back.

Miami’s Pass-Rush Woes

Edge rusher has been a glaring issue for the Dolphins throughout the season, with the team tallying just 31 sacks. Miami has also faced challenges with injuries to key players like Bradley Chubb and Cameron Goode, leaving the team reliant on rookies Chop Robinson and Mohamed Kamara, along with Emmanuel Ogbah and Quinton Bell.

While Goode returned from injury last week, the Dolphins opted against activating Chubb, who is still recovering from a knee injury suffered last New Year’s Eve. The lack of consistent pressure off the edge has been a significant factor in the team’s defensive struggles this season.

Barrett’s Future

For Barrett, the release presents an opportunity to join a playoff contender as the NFL heads into the postseason stretch. Known for his explosiveness and ability to disrupt opposing offenses, Barrett could be a valuable asset for a team looking to bolster its pass rush.

As the waiver process unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Barrett finds a new home quickly or clears waivers to become a free agent. Either way, his goal of returning to the field appears closer than ever.

Stay tuned as the NFL landscape shifts during this critical time of the season.