Shaquil Barrett, a two-time Super Bowl champion and former NFL sack leader, unexpectedly retired from the league on July 20, 2024. The news came just before training camps were set to begin across the league.
Barrett spent five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, including their championship run in Super Bowl LV. He was released by the team in a cost-cutting move and signed a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins shortly thereafter.
However, Barrett's retirement came as a shock to many, as he had only recently joined the Dolphins. According to multiple reports, Barrett informed the team of his decision before training camp started.
The 31-year-old linebacker had a breakout season with the Miami Dolphins in 2019, recording an NFL-best 19.5 sacks and earning a Pro Bowl nod. He also won Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted rookie in 2015 and with Tampa Bay in 2020.
Barrett's retirement comes after a personal tragedy, as his 2-year-old daughter, Arrayah, drowned in a pool incident less than a year ago. He had been considering retirement for some time before the incident occurred.
The Dolphins will now be left to find depth at the outside linebacker position with Barrett's departure. The team placed Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips on the Physically Unable to Perform list prior to training camp, leaving rookies Chop Robinson and Mo Kamara as their top healthy edge rushers.
Barrett finishes his NFL career with 59 sacks, 400 tackles (73 for loss), 22 forced fumbles, and three interceptions in 131 games.
