The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were one of the biggest surprises of the 2023 NFL season.
With Tom Brady retired, many thought they’d not only take a significant step back but would end up being one of the worst teams in the league.
Enter Baker Mayfield…
#Buccaneers Baker Mayfield was having a blast against the #Eagles:
"He's down there somewhere."pic.twitter.com/OP9TlaFEyc https://t.co/Vbg1SQOs0W
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 16, 2024
With the Bucs expected to sign Mayfield to a lucrative deal to keep him in Tampa, the arrow is pointing up … However, they have a few important decisions to make in regard to their cap situation.
They just made one of those decisions today.
The Bucs have decided to release linebacker Shaquil Barrett in a move that will save nearly $5 million in salary cap space.
One of the nicest and real #Bucs I’ve ever covered.
Bucs have released Shaq Barrett.
I wish nothing but the best for Shaq & his family. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Zi6QZTGVYl— rock riley (@realrockriley) February 27, 2024
Barrett, facing a $15.04 million option bonus due next month, expressed awareness of the possibility of being cut due to his significant cap charge.
“It’s a business,” he said.
Bucs GM Jason Licht says he didn’t want to make the call to Shaq Barrett saying they would release him, but that Shaq actually calmed him down on the call. Said Shaq and his family will always be part of Bucs family. #nfln #gobucs
— Sara Walsh (@Sara_Walsh) February 27, 2024
The Buccaneers will designate Barrett as a post-June 1 cut, allowing them to spread his $26.67 million dead cap charges over the 2024 and 2025 seasons, mitigating immediate financial impact.
Consequently, Barrett’s cap hit will amount to $9.27 million in 2024 and $17.47 million in 2025.
The 31-year-old linebacker, a pivotal figure in Tampa Bay’s string of success in recent years, earned recognition as a two-time Pro Bowler during his five-season tenure with the Buccaneers.
Tampa waited SO LONG to have a true QB hunter after Sapp. This moment when Shaq Barrett broke the sack record meant so much and then some. You just had to be there. 🥹pic.twitter.com/UTJcSCLUyu
— Ashlie (@EMT_Ashlie) February 27, 2024
He notably contributed to the team’s Super Bowl victory in 2020, delivering standout performances, including a memorable three-sack masterpiece against the Packers in the NFC Championship Game.
The Bucs would not have won the Super Bowl without Shaq Barrett.
Not only that, Shaq Barrett holds the record for most sacks in a season in franchise history (19.5).
Thanks for everything Shaquil🙏 pic.twitter.com/ILs9CSW348
— Matthew Hewitt (@BucsTrackerNFL) February 27, 2024
Barrett endured personal tragedy in April 2023 when his 2-year-old daughter, Arrayah, tragically drowned. Despite the emotional turmoil, he returned for the season, where he totaled 52 tackles and 4.5 sacks.
In a poignant moment during the Week 2 matchup against the Bears, Barrett intercepted quarterback Justin Fields, scoring a touchdown and dedicating the play to his late daughter.
Shaq Barrett is coming back from a torn achilles and tragically losing his 2 year old daughter in an accident this off season gets his first career TD with a game sealing pick 6.
He deserved this. pic.twitter.com/9bmVe2Aew8
— matt (@OCPDesigns) September 17, 2023
Shaq Barrett dedicated this season to his late two-year-old daughter, Arrayah, who died in April in a pool drowning accident
On Sunday, Barrett scored his first career NFL TD and then blew a kiss to the sky ❤️ pic.twitter.com/7INVkrqfhY
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 18, 2023
An undrafted free agent from Colorado State in 2015, Barrett has totaled an impressive 59 sacks during the course of his nine NFL seasons.
Not only was Shaq Barrett one of Jason Licht's best Free Agent signings, he ended up being one of the best human beings to come through this organization. I cannot stress enough what an absolutely humble, classy and genuinely kind person he is. Having had the pleasure of being… pic.twitter.com/pvtB70Cks5
— 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝗶™ 🏴☠️ (@TheSamerAli) February 27, 2024
Barrett’s best years are most likely behind him. However, he still offers plenty of value with his experience and veteran leadership.
How much do you think he has left in the tank?
Who do you think should scoop him up???
From hanging at the Royal Rumble in St. Pete, to being honored during the Sneaker Soiree at the Hard Rock, whether it was in Tampa adopting an animal, or chatting w/ us after Training Camp, in between all the Sunday sacks & a Lombardi Trophy, simply put-
Shaq Barrett rocked👏 pic.twitter.com/MP97utMhcw
— 𝗭𝗮𝗰 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗻𝗲𝗿🎙 (@ZacOnTheMic) February 27, 2024