The Miami Dolphins have their replacement for Andrew Van Ginkel, and it’s a fun one:
Shaquil Barrett, who has 59 sacks in his nine-year NFL career, is signing with the Dolphins, Bleacher Report first reported.
Per ESPN, it’s a one-year deal worth up to $9 million.
Miami Dolphins To Sign Shaq Barrett
Barrett, at age 31, certainly isn’t the player who had a league-best 19.5 sacks in 2019.
But the team believes he still can help a Dolphins pass rush that could be without Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) and Bradley Chubb (knee) to start the season.
Barrett had just 7.5 sacks and 15 quarterback hits in his final two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, appearing in 24 of a possible 34 games after tearing his Achilles midway through the 2022 season.
Barrett was available for the Dolphins after the Buccaneers cut the former Pro Bowler in a cap-clearing move last month.
“Shaq has been great for us over the past five years,” Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said on NFL Network after Barrett’s release. “He came in, he made a heck of a name for himself. He’s one of the best human beings you could ever meet, and he’s still got some great playing abilities left in him.”
Barrett has been a true NFL success story, transforming as an undrafted prospect out of Colorado State into one of the league’s best pass rushers.
The Broncos took a shot on the local prospect, and he rewarded them with 14 sacks over the next four years. But it was in Tampa where Barrett really shone.
He averaged nine sacks per season during his five years with the team and won his second Super Bowl when the Bucs beat the Chiefs three years back.
MORE: Miami Dolphins’ Needs in Free Agency
Between the Barrett signing and Terron Armstead electing to return for a 12th season, the Dolphins should have great flexibility in the draft. Most mocks have them taking either an offensive lineman or a pass rusher with the 21st pick.
They still might — but shouldn’t feel like they have to.
Miami Dolphins Grade: B
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