Just four months after signing with the Miami Dolphins, Shaquil Barrett, a top-tier NFL pass rusher and Pro Bowl honoree, announced his retirement from football at the age of 31. Barrett, whose career spanned nine seasons, disclosed his decision to retire through a post on Instagram last Saturday.
In his announcement, Barrett stated, “It’s time for me to hang it up. It’s been a great ride and I appreciate everything that came with it over the year.”
He also mentioned wanting to dedicate more time to his family, saying, “I’m ready to shift my full focus to my wife and kids.” He acknowledged the announcement might come as a surprise to some but expressed clarity in his decision.
Barrett’s unexpected retirement leaves a gap in the Dolphins’ defense, especially since he was expected to play a significant role. His joining of the team in March came after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released him in a cost-saving move. His intended role became increasingly important as Dolphins’ main pass rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips were recovering from serious injuries and not participating in the start of the training camp due to being on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
Before retiring, Barrett had an illustrious underdog journey, starting as an undrafted player from Colorado State in 2014. He quickly made his mark with the Denver Broncos, contributing significantly with 5.5 sacks and four forced fumbles to their Super Bowl victory in his second season.
Barrett peaked during his time with the Buccaneers, leading the NFL with 19.5 sacks and six forced fumbles in 2019. He retires with a career tally of 59 sacks and two Super Bowl titles.
In the wake of Barrett’s departure, the Dolphins face the challenge of strengthening their edge rushing capabilities. Among potential replacements are Matthew Judon, who could bring proven quality despite financial considerations and division rival complexities; Yannick Ngakoue, a seasoned player looking for rejuvenation after a below-par season; and Carl Lawson, who could mirror Barrett’s impact if he recovers his form post-injuries. Each player offers different advantages and could be vital for the Dolphins as they look to contend without Barrett.