Shaq Barrett returns to Tampa Bay just in time for Buccaneers’ NFC South playoff push

Shaq Barrett is back where it all began—well, his second beginning anyway. The former Pro Bowl linebacker is reuniting with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, just in time for a playoff push. After a rollercoaster year that saw Barrett cut by Tampa, sign with the Miami Dolphins, retire, and then unretire, he’s found his way home.

Shaq Barrett is back with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

***BREAKING: Shaq Barrett Is Back With The #Bucs

Pewter Report is reporting that the Bucs will be re-signing OLB Shaq Barrett on Saturday morning to help with the team's pass rush as Tampa Bay makes a playoff push, writes Scott Reynolds.#Buccaneershttps://t.co/d3jwNR3agP

— PewterReport 🏴‍☠️ (@PewterReport) December 28, 2024

Quick Recap of Shaq Barrett’s Journey:

Barrett’s offseason saga has been anything but conventional. After being released by the Bucs in February, he inked a deal with the Dolphins. However, a July retirement put a pause on everything.

Miami retained his rights and placed him on the reserve/retired list, but when Barrett applied for reinstatement, the Dolphins decided not to activate him, waiving him instead. Now, with waivers cleared, Barrett is set to return to Tampa Bay.

At 32, Barrett’s agent has assured everyone he’s ready to make an immediate impact. And the timing couldn’t be better for the Bucs.

Yes, I was holding out hope that Barrett wouldn’t sign with the Buccaneers or Broncos, but even dating back to last August, it was always a decision between those two teams and he obviously went to Tampa over Denver because of playoff implications.

Howie SZN: Miami Dolphins are waiving Shaq Barrett, can sign with any team if he clears waivers on Friday

The 8-7 Buccaneers are in the thick of a heated NFC South race, tied with the Falcons but trailing due to Atlanta’s head-to-head sweep.

With games against the 4-11 Panthers this Sunday and the Saints in Week 18, every snap matters. Adding Barrett’s veteran presence could be the boost Tampa needs to edge out Atlanta and secure the division title.

Shaq Barrett’s return is more than just a roster move—it’s a reunion with a franchise where he cemented his legacy. After spending the early years of his career in Denver, where he won a Super Bowl in 2015, Barrett exploded onto the scene in Tampa Bay in 2019.

He led the league with 19.5 sacks that year and earned his first Pro Bowl nod. In 2020, he played a pivotal role in the Bucs’ Super Bowl run, and in 2021, he notched another Pro Bowl appearance with 10 sacks.

Now, Barrett has the chance to add another chapter to his storied career in Tampa, potentially helping the team make another postseason run.

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