Miami Dolphins Waive Shaquil Barrett: A Surprising Turn of Events
In a move that has left many fans and analysts scratching their heads, the Miami Dolphins have decided to waive linebacker Shaquil Barrett. This decision comes just a month after Barrett ended his brief retirement in November, as confirmed by his agent to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday.
Barrett, who had signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the Dolphins during the offseason, initially announced his retirement in July, right before the team was set to open training camp. However, in a surprising twist, he filed for reinstatement in November. Despite the Dolphins missing their top two pass rushers, Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb, the team chose not to activate Barrett.
Barrett’s decision to come out of retirement was made just days before the deadline to do so in Week 13. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel described the team’s decision as “a numbers game,” explaining, “In just talking with [Dolphins general manager] Chris [Grier] where our roster is at and the players that have earned the right to be on it. It is just a numbers game in the NFL so the timing I don’t think was necessarily ideal.”
Now, Barrett finds himself in a position where he can play again this season if he clears waivers by Friday. However, if another team claims him, he would be ineligible to play for the rest of this season. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, expressed gratitude towards the Dolphins for their decision, stating, “We appreciate the Dolphins giving Shaq this opportunity to continue his career in the NFL. Hopefully, he will pass through waivers and become a free agent so he can play again this season. He is in great shape and would be ready to play immediately.”
Meanwhile, the Dolphins have announced that they will not activate Chubb from the physically unable to perform list, which means the two-time Pro Bowler will remain on the reserve list for the rest of the season. In their absence, rookie Chop Robinson has stepped up admirably, coming within 2.5 sacks of tying Phillips’ rookie franchise record set in 2021.
As the Dolphins prepare to face the Cleveland Browns in Week 17, the stakes are high. A loss or a win by the Denver Broncos would eliminate the Dolphins from playoff contention, adding even more pressure to an already tense situation.
- Shaquil Barrett waived by the Miami Dolphins
- Barrett’s brief retirement and reinstatement
- Impact of missing top pass rushers Phillips and Chubb
- Rookie Chop Robinson’s impressive performance
- Upcoming game against the Cleveland Browns
As the NFL season progresses, the Dolphins’ decision to waive Barrett will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike. With the potential for Barrett to join another team, the coming days will be crucial in determining the next chapter of his career.
Originally Written by: ESPN News Services
