The NFL world was abuzz with rumors that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would release outside LB Shaquil Barrett. As the NFL offseason kicks into gear and free agency approaches, teams are making moves to reshape their rosters and create salary cap flexibility. With the NFL Draft in April, teams are also considering their draft strategies and roster needs.

Barrett had previously acknowledged the possibility that his time in Tampa Bay might be coming to an end. Now, that scenario has become a reality. Barrett is poised to enter free agency for the second time in four years.

Shaquil Barrett released by the Bucs

His head coach, Todd Bowles, was one of the first ones to comment on this development. “Shaq has been great for us over the last 5 years, but these tough decisions have to be made. Who knows? We’ll see what happens down the line.” Barrett faced a critical decision as his contract approached a pivotal moment. He had a $15.04M option bonus looming and a significant salary cap charge of nearly $14.2M for the 2024 season. With him gone, the Bucs have an extra $5M to spare in cap space.

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Over his five seasons with the Bucs, he earned two Pro Bowl selections and played a crucial role in the team’s championship-winning defense in 2020. His standout performance, including three sacks in the NFC Championship Game against the Packers and another sack in Super Bowl LV against the Chiefs, solidified his reputation as a game-changing defensive force.

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As his time in Tampa Bay draws to a close, let’s take a look at his journey so far in the NFL.

Barrett’s track record in the NFL

Shaquil Barrett was an undrafted free agent out of Colorado State in 2015. He has had an impressive career spanning nine seasons with the Buccaneers and the Broncos. Through his tenure, Barrett has amassed an impressive total of 59 career sacks, showcasing his prowess as a pass rusher. His standout season came in 2019 when he led the NFL with a franchise-record 19.5 sacks, during his first year with the Bucs.

Initially joining the Bucs on a one-year deal in 2019, Barrett’s exceptional performance earned him recognition as a second-team All-Pro. He was even part of the team’s Super Bowl victory in the 2020 season. Despite facing tough competition, Barrett continued to excel, adding 25.5 more sacks over the following four seasons with the NFC South team.

With the Bucs already possessing $43.7M in cap space heading into the offseason, the team faces several significant decisions regarding free agents. That includes the potential re-signing of key players such as Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans. These decisions will shape the Buccaneers’ roster for the upcoming season and beyond.