Former Buccaneers edge rusher Shaq Barrett is coming out of retirement

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' pass rush just hasn't looked the same since the departure of former All-Pro Shaq Barrett. After years as a rotational backup in Denver, Barrett piled up 19 sacks to lead the league in his first season with Tampa Bay way back in the 2019 campaign.

Barrett would finish his Buccaneers career with 45 sacks in five seasons before signing with the Miami Dolphins in free agency. This partnership did not last very long, as Barrett retired before the season to spend more time with his family.

Barrett seems ready to get back on the field, however, as he has applied to be reinstated to the NFL. While Bucs fans would likely jump at the chance to sign him, their rivals to the south have first dibs at signing him to a deal.

However, with Barrett having signed with Miami and not having been released before his decision to head into retirement, the Dolphins hold his contract rights. With Barrett interested in playing for Miami, Tampa Bay won't get the chance to entice their former star with a chance to return to his old digs.

Buccaneers miss out on Shaq Barrett reunion due to Dolphins owning his rights

Barrett is by no means going to change the shape of the Tampa Bay pass rush, but he presents a clear upgrade over a unit that has come into focus as one of the worst such groups in the NFC. It seems likely that one of Tampa Bay's first few NFL Draft picks in 2025 will be used to select a pass rusher.

Tampa's top three sack producers are not defensive ends or outside linebackers, as two defensive tackles in Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey and middle linebacker Lavonte David are outpacing everyone else. Logan Hall and Anthony Nelson have three sacks each, while YaYa Diaby and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka have two a piece.

Barrett will instead try to help Miami get back in the postseason picture now that Tua Tagovailoa has been nursed back to full health. The Dolphins can throw him into a subpar pass rush room and let his speed take over, while the Bucs need to keep hoping for young players to break out amid a very tough division race.

Barrett will be remembered forever in Tampa Bay due to his game-changing sacks and performance in big games with championship teams. However, one last reunion doesn't seem to be in the cards, even if the Bucs could use a player with his unique skillset.