Two-time Pro Bowl veteran Shaquil Barrett intends to play this upcoming 2025 season after having a back-and-forth 2024 campaign between the Dolphins and the Buccaneers. According to a report, Barrett’s agent, Drew Reosenhaus, says the veteran linebacker will “definitely” play this year, but the biggest question is, will anyone sign him to a new contract this season? Originally selected as an undrafted rookie, the former Colorado State product began his career playing for the Denver Broncos, becoming a Super Bowl champion during the Peyton Manning Era. Despite Manning’s retirement, Barrett has been putting in high numbers, recording 20 solo tackles, 1.5 sacks and two passes defended, while he got increasingly better each season.
However, Barrett moved on to sign with the Buccaneers in his first stint with them in 2019, signing a one-year contract and being a viable edge rusher for Tom Brady’s last Super Bowl win before his retirement. It led him to finally earn a long-term extension in 2021 worth $72 million and being named to the Pro Bowl. Barrett couldn’t stay healthy the next season, tearing his Achilles. With that, the veteran became a cap casualty, so the Buccaneers had no choice but to release him.
It wasn’t until four months later that Barrett announced his retirement from the league, but he changed his mind this past November to come back to the Dolphins when Jaelen Phillips and Bradley Chubb went down with injuries. However, it never went through, so Barrett did wait until the Buccaneers got him back for two regular-season games and a playoff exit. Barrett might not be the same player as before, but these five teams could give him a new opportunity.
Two-Time Pro Bowler Shaquil Barrett “Definitely” Intends to Play – 5 Possible Next Teams
Potential Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles defense will look dramatically different this upcoming season as the team lost Poona Ford and released veteran Joey Bosa. It will be up to Khalil Mack to carry the edge rush, which is why it’s suitable for Barrett to fill the hole. Denzel Perryman and Daiyan Henley don’t have as enough experience as Barrett does, so he’s a better fit for Jim Harbaugh’s vision of trenches defense.
Baltimore Ravens
Last season, the team had to move on without Jadeveon Clowney, and it didn’t put the defense in the best position to win. Trenton Simpson was a bust and couldn’t keep up the pace with Kyle Van Noy and Roquan Smith. Barrett might not have much in the tank, but the Ravens never fail to bring out the best in a veteran’s ability to get after the quarterback.
New Orleans Saints
This is the perfect moment for the New Orleans Saints to pursue Barrett. Despite signing Chase Young to a new contract, the Saints could use another edge rusher after losing Willie Gay this offseason. Barrett could be at his peak even under another one-year contract and help keep the Saints’ defense competitive.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys love to give second chances to veteran players. Even though the team did trade for Kenneth Murray Jr. after losing Demarcus Lawrence, the Cowboys could sign Barrett to salvage the unit. The veteran doesn’t need to be full-time to make an impact.
Washington Commanders
The same can be said about the Commanders, but they will need a linebacker to replace Dante Fowler Jr. since losing him to the Cowboys. Bobby Wagner is returning for what will likely be his last season in the league. Barrett might not last more than two seasons, but it should buy the Commanders some time to draft a capable replacement.
The post Two-Time Pro Bowler “Definitely” Intends to Play – 5 Possible Next Teams appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.