June 4, 2024; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Shaquil Barrett (58) works out during mandatory minicamp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports Over the weekend, two-time Super Bowl champion Shaquil Barrett retired from football.
Barrett, just 31, won Super Bowl 50 with Peyton Manning’s Denver Broncos and then Super Bowl LV with Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Last season, Barrett recovered from a torn Achilles tendon suffered midway through 2022. He started 16 games for Tampa Bay last season but was released before free agency, leading him to sign with the Miami Dolphins as a free agent in March.
But before he even played a snap for the Dolphins, Barrett informed the club that he intended to retiresaying he wants to spend more time with his loved ones.
You can’t blame a man for wanting to spend more time with his family. He had an incredible career, playing 10 seasons in the league after going undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft.
But now the two-time Pro Bowler is putting the Dolphins in a really tough spot.
Miami entered the offseason on a shoestring budget. Dolphins general manager Chris Grier worked his magic by trading veteran defenders like Christian Wilkins, Emmanuel Ogbah and Jerome Baker.
But now one of the substitutes has decided to hang up his boots.
On offense, the Dolphins are well-equipped. They added Odell Beckham Jr. to their team, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Veterans Austin Jackson and Terron Armstead will be tasked with keeping Tua Tagovailoa upright so he can get all those playmakers involved. Tagovailoa is still looking for that new contractand carrying the Dolphins offensively will help him do that.
On defense, things will get a little more complicated for the Fins. They will need Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb to both return to form after their respective injuries. After losing Barrett, veterans Anthony Walker Jr. and Jordyn Brooks will also have to step up to the plate.
Veteran defensive linemen Zach Sieler, Neville Gallimore and Calais Campbell will also be expected to contribute.
It’s not exactly an embarrassment of riches, but rather a collection of veteran assets that will hopefully contribute enough to put together a few saves.
According to reportsThe Dolphins will host Ogbah for a workout Monday. The 30-year-old could add a valuable asset to Miami’s veteran roster. After being released in February, the Dolphins may have no choice but to turn to their old friend.
It will be interesting to see how new Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is able to generate pressure and stop this veteran group. Barrett’s retirement probably won’t make his job any easier.
