Despite having one more year remaining on his contract, Shaquil Barrett finds himself uncertain about his future with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Pro Bowl linebacker is slated to earn $17 million in 2024, but the Buccaneers have the option to save a portion of that contract by designating Barrett as a post-June cut.

Barrett openly acknowledged his situation, as reported by Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Times.

“I’ve been around for a minute, and I know with my contract and my production — and they have some promising young guys that all factor into it. But I would still love to be here. It’s like a second home.”

In his fifth season with the Buccaneers, Barrett made a significant impact with 4.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and even managed a pick-six. This season, however, was marked by a personal tragedy off the field as his two-year-old daughter, Arrayah, tragically drowned in April.

Despite the challenges he faced, Barrett expressed gratitude for the support he received from both the organization and the community, which has strengthened his desire to remain in Tampa Bay. Nevertheless, Barrett is acutely aware that the ultimate decision is not entirely within his control.

“My kids love it down here. So I mean, understand it’s a business, but after everything that happened this year, we’re family now to appreciate them for everything they did,” he said. “Just rocking with me, sticking with me through everything and hope it’s not, but I know it is a real possibility. But I hope it’s not.”

Barrett’s journey with the Buccaneers began impressively in 2019 when he racked up an impressive 19.5 sacks. He followed this up with a remarkable three-sack performance in Tampa Bay’s NFC Championship Game victory over the Green Bay Packers, culminating in another sack in a Super Bowl triumph over the Kansas City Chiefs.

However, Tampa Bay faces some tough decisions in the upcoming offseason. Notable players like quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Mike Evans are among the team’s 18 unrestricted free agents. Additionally, fellow Pro Bowl linebackers Lavonte David and Devin White could potentially test the open market, adding to the team’s complex roster decisions.

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