After spending an entire offseason of not receiving interest from teams, former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Shaquil Barrett still has aspirations for an NFL return. According to an interview with TMZ, Barrett doesn’t plan on retiring as the linebacker still believes he could play with a new team again. At age 32, it’s hard to imagine he still has a lot left in the tank, but it doesn’t mean he won’t receive interest at some point during the 2025 campaign. There are always teams right before the postseason that will look in free agency to add any talent that is still available, and one of the acquisitions may wind up being Barrett.
Originally selected as an undrafted rookie in 2014, the former Colorado State product was hoping to get a second stint with the Buccaneers right before their playoff run. Barrett has been known as one of the best defenders in the league. However, he wasn’t able to live up to the expectations that the Buccaneers were looking for, and that season showed teams that the linebacker is no longer in his prime. Still, Barrett set several records during his first stint with the Buccaneers, recording the most sacks in a season, so here are four teams that might be able to bring out the best in the veteran.
Former Two-Time Super Bowl Champion Shaquil Barrett Seeking NFL Return – 4 Logical Suitors
Potential Destinations
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have one of the deepest linebacker units, but they could use some depth right before the postseason. After losing Kyle Van Noy, they haven’t found a temporary replacement, and while this means more snaps for rookie Mike Green, they could still benefit from Barrett’s presence in a situational role. Barrett is no longer a starter in the league, but he might have something in him that could spark and get after the quarterback, and help Odafe Oweh, Roquan Smith and Teddye Buchanan.
Just like their secondary unit, why shouldn’t they grab another linebacker, who has experience and still can play, which can help them move further in the postseason?
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, the same thing can be said about the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite signing Clelin Ferrell to give some boost to this pass-rush for Da’Shawn Hand, they should be able to sign a linebacker if they can’t trade. Yes, the Chargers have plenty of guys that can step up like Troy Dye and Bud Dupree in these types of situations while they wait for Khalil Mack to return from his injury, but they’d be better off getting a veteran like Barrett.
Kansas City Chiefs
However, the Kansas City Chiefs could use some type of spark on their roster. Even though they have a wide receiver issue, what the Chiefs can do is get more linebacker help for Nick Bolton. Drue Tranquill and Leo Chenal are only beneficial in some moments, and someone like Barrett could help fend off the pressure and share the snaps.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers had themselves a shutout win over the Falcons, but they still need linebacker help. While they never got a chance to replace Jadeveon Clowney or Josey Jewell, they should probably plan for that. DJ Wonnum and rookies Princely Umanmielen and Nic Scourton could benefit and be mentored by Barrett.
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