3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the most to prove in 2020
By Rob Leeds
Has Barrett earned a long-term extension?
Shaquil Barrett is likely going to play the 2020 season on the franchise tag, which will still make him one of the highest-paid players at his position. The Buccaneers could have signed him to an extension after his record-breaking year, but they decided to take one more season to see if an extension is the right decision.
This is the smart move for the Bucs to make, especially considering that Barrett has expressed willingness to play on the tag and not hold out, but the door has been opened wide for Barrett to make or lose his money.
If Shaq continues to play at his exceptional pace and has a season reminiscent of 2019, the Bucs will have no choice but to make him one of, if not THE, highest-paid pass rushers in the NFL.
If Barrett falls off or suffers a slump, he stands to be forced into signing a much more mediocre offer. Sack Barrett has decided to bank on himself and is playing every game with that extension in mind.
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Motivation is a great thing to have in sports, but Barrett will be playing under his career’s most scrutiny. Regardless of what happens, the whole NFL will be watching to see if Barrett can hold up under the immense pressure.