Shaquil Barrett, the two-time Super Bowl winner, announced his retirement from sport this weekend.
Barrett, still only 31, won Super Bowl 50 with Peyton Manning’s Denver Broncos before winning Super Bowl LV with Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Barrett returned to play last season after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon in the middle of 2022. He started 16 games for Tampa Bay last season but was released before free agency, so he signed with the Miami Dolphins as a free agent in March.
But, before he even played a snap for the Dolphins, Barrett notified the team that he wanted to retire, claiming a desire to spend more time with his loved ones.
It’s understandable that a man would want to spend more time with his family. He had a remarkable career, spending ten seasons in the league after going undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft.
However, the two-time Pro Bowler has put the Dolphins in a bad spot.
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
Miami was cash-strapped heading into this offseason. Dolphins general manager Chris Grier did his magic, replacing veteran defenders Christian Wilkins, Emmanuel Ogbah, and Jerome Baker.
However, one of the replacement players has decided to retire.
The Dolphins’ offense is stacked. They added Odell Beckham Jr. to join Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Veteran linemen Austin Jackson and Terron Armstead will be charged with keeping Tua Tagovailoa upright so that he can engage all of his playmakers. Tagovailoa is still looking for a new contract, and leading the Dolphins offense will help him get it.
The Fins’ defensive situation becomes a tad shakier. They will need Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb to return to form following their individual injuries. After losing Barrett, veteran linebackers Anthony Walker Jr. and Jordyn Brooks will have to bear their own weight.
Veteran defensive linemen Zach Sieler, Neville Gallimore, and Calais Campbell will also have to contribute.
It’s not exactly an embarrassment of riches, but rather a collection of veteran assets who will hopefully contribute enough to bridge some gaps.
According to sources, the Dolphins will have Ogbah for a workout on Monday. Miami’s veteran roster might benefit from the 30-year-old’s pass rush skills. After being released in February, the Dolphins may have no choice but to return to their old friend.
It will be intriguing to see how new Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver can generate pressure and make stops with this group of veterans. Barrett’s retirement will undoubtedly not make his job any easier.