OLB Shaquil Barrett
In addition to the Buccaneers’ inability to stop the run a year ago, their pass rush was also non-existent. This offseason Licht and Arians went out and added edge rusher Shaq Barrett on a one-year, $4 million deal in hopes to increase the pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Barrett played his first four seasons with the Denver Broncos, who gave him minimal opportunities to perform outside of a rotational role. After being listed behind Noah Spence on the first depth chart, Barrett has taken over the starting outside linebacker role opposite Carl Nassib, while Spence was cut from the team.
The fifth-year pass rusher showed flashes of dominance off the edge for the Buccaneers this preseason, so defensive coordinator looks to deploy him from his outside backer spot on Sunday in order to give 49ers’ quarterback Jimmy Garopplo fits.
Barrett has never reached double-digit sacks in his career, but given his first opportunity as a starter, he may just eclipse that mark in his first season in the pewter and red. The Buccaneers need Barrett to step up this season as last year’s sack leader will be out until at least October as he is still recovering from his neck fracture.