The Miami Dolphins knew that they were going to suffer some losses early on during NFL Free Agency. They have done an excellent job of building up their roster through the draft, which has led to many players being developed and hitting the open market.
Retaining all of them would have been impossible, as the Dolphins saw players depart for major money. Up against it with the salary cap, they would have to find value in free agency to fill some of the voids that existed on the roster.
On the second day of free agency, they have begun to find some. Needing some reinforcements on the defensive side of the ball in the pass-rushing department, the Dolphins have opted to sign veteran Shaq Barrett.
NFL News & Rumors: Shaquil Barrett, 2024 NFL Free Agency, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins Updates
According to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, Barrett won’t be leaving the state of Florida. He has agreed to a one-year, $9 million deal with the Dolphins, which was noted by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Barrett had spent the last five seasons of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after going undrafted and starting his career in 2015 with the Denver Broncos. He was there for four seasons before moving on to Tampa Bay, where he flourished.
In his first season with the Buccaneers in 2019, Barrett led the NFL with 19.5 sacks. He followed that up with an 8.0 and 10.5 sack season, cementing his status as one of the premier edge rushers in the league.
NFL News & Rumors: Shaquil Barrett, 2024 NFL Free Agency, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins Updates
But, an Achilles injury halfway through the 2022 season has derailed him a bit. Impressively, he was able to return and play in 16 games during the 2023 season, registering 4.5 sacks and 52 total tackles.
More than a year removed from the injury and surgery, Barrett could round back into shape even more with the Dolphins. A one-year deal is a low-risk, high-reward contract for the team, who is looking to find as much value as possible this offseason to round out their roster with.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
