REPORT: Former Buccaneers All-Pro and Super Bowl Champion Pass Rusher Signs With Miami Dolphins
A core member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2020 Super Bowl team will be wearing a different uniform next season.
At the end of February, it was reported that the Buccaneers planned to release Shaq Barrett. On Tuesday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz broke the news that Barrett plans to sign with the Miami Dolphins.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, it is a 1-year deal, worth up to $9 million.
Barrett will forever be remembered as one of Jason Licht's most successful free agent acquisitions. After spending seven seasons in Denver, mostly playing in a rotational role behind the likes of Von Miller and Bradley Chubb, Barrett finally got his big chance with the Bucs in 2019. Licht signed Barrett to a modest 1-year, $4 million contract. And to refer to that deal as a bargain would be a drastic understatement.
Barrett made an immediate impact in Tampa, leading the NFL in sacks (19.5) in his debut season. Over the next five years, Barrett produced in a big way, including 45 total sacks, two Pro Bowl appearances (2019, 2021), and a second-team All-Pro (2019). Most of all, he was integral to the team's success during their playoff run in 2020. His performance in Super Bowl 55 — dominating the Chiefs offensive line with one sack, one TFL, and 4 QB hits — was a big reason why the Buccaneers were able to limit the Chiefs to just three field goals, ultimately prevailing by a score of 31-9.
Barrett will forever be remembered in Tampa Bay not just for his production as a pass rusher, but for the positive, kind, and hard-working person that he was. Barrett was adored by his teammates, coaches, fans and the media.
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