Shaquil Barrett Rejoins Buccaneers After Brief Retirement

The two-time Pro Bowl linebacker returns to Tampa Bay to bolster their playoff push following his release by the Dolphins.

Shaquil Barrett, 32, signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after being waived by the Miami Dolphins earlier this week.
Barrett, who retired in July, applied for reinstatement in November and cleared waivers on Friday, paving the way for his return to Tampa Bay.
The linebacker spent five seasons with the Buccaneers (2019-2023), earning two Pro Bowl selections and leading the league in sacks in 2019 with a franchise-record 19.5.
Barrett's return comes as the Buccaneers, tied with the Falcons at 8-7, aim to secure the NFC South title but must overcome Atlanta's tiebreaker advantage.
Barrett is not expected to play in Week 17 against the Panthers but could contribute in Week 18 as Tampa Bay seeks to strengthen its struggling pass rush.