Shaquil Barrett: Everything you need to know

Barrett, who retired from the Dolphins before training camp began and then resumed his career in December with the Buccaneers, finished the 2024 regular season with one tackle in one game. Barrett returned to Tampa Bay after the Dolphins waived him from the reserve/retired list and logged 12 snaps in Week 18 against the Saints. Barrett also played five snaps in the wild-card loss to the Commanders and logged a solo tackle in that contest, and he's slated to return to the open market again when the new league year begins March 12. Whether Barrett opts to continue his career remains to be seen, but if he confirms he remains interested in playing, the Buccaneers and multiple other teams will likely be very interested in exploring a deal.

Barrett (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Panthers after signing with the Buccaneers on Friday. The pass rusher helped the Bucs win a Super Bowl in 2020 and played with the team through 2023 before signing a one-year deal with the Dolphins and retiring prior to the start of the 2024 campaign. Barrett applied for reinstatement from retirement in late November, but Miami chose not to activate him from the reserve/retired list. If he's ready to suit up by Week 18, he should play a situational role behind Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Yaya Diaby.

The Buccaneers signed Barrett to the active roster Saturday, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports. Greg Auman of Fox Sports broke the news Friday that Barrett was set to reunite with the Buccaneers, whom he helped win a Super Bowl in the 2020 season. Barrett played for the Buccaneers in the previous five seasons before signing a one-year deal with the Dolphins in March. He announced his retirement in July before playing in any games in Miami, and after applying for reinstatement from the reserve/retirement list, he was let go by the Dolphins on Boxing Day. Barrett passed through waivers unclaimed, which allowed him to explore his options, and the veteran edge rusher chose to return to Tampa Bay. He likely won't play against the Panthers on Sunday, but he should be available for the Bucs' regular-season finale against the Saints.