The Miami Dolphins’ defense has a gaping vacancy after Shaq Barrett’s abrupt retirement.
Days before the Miami Dolphins’ training camp officially began, on Saturday, Shaq Barrett, the team’s new outside linebacker, shockingly announced his retirement from the National Football League via an Instagram post.
With Barrett’s announcement, Miami’s defensive roster is severely lacking at outside linebacker, especially in light of the fact that both Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips were recently placed on the Dolphins’ physically unable to perform list because of injuries that ended their seasons last year. Barrett signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Dolphins this offseason.
Just in: Two-time Pro-Bowl linebacker Shaquil Barrett informed the Dolphins that he wants to spend more time with his family and he now will be retiring from the NFL. Barrett also was a two-time Super Bowl champion who played four seasons with Denver and five with Tampa Bay. pic.twitter.com/4beJWsNA6X
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 20, 2024
Barrett posted the following on his Instagram account, moochman6:
“It’s time to put this away. I’m grateful for everything that has come with it over the years; it’s been an amazing journey. I’m prepared to give my wife and children my undivided attention and support while they pursue their aspirations. Anyone who has ever achieved their goals knows that it takes effort, perseverance, and consistency to do so. I’m prepared to begin helping my children develop these talents, which will require my whole attention. I know some people may be surprised, but I’ve been considering this for a while, and this is the clearest decision I’ve ever made.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Dolphins selected two skilled pass rushers, Mo Kamara of Colorado State and Chop Robinson of Penn State. With Barrett’s sudden retirement, it will be even more important for the rookies to develop quickly.