Buccaneers HC comments on release of two-time Pro Bowler
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are planning to release outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett in a move that will have significant financial ramifications.
Head coach Todd Bowles commented on the upcoming move during an appearance on "Good Morning Football" on Tuesday.
Barrett signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2014, spent the first four seasons of his career in the Mile High City, and helped them capture Super Bowl 50 in 2016.
Barrett signed a one-year deal with the Bucs in March 2019 and had his best season, racking up career highs in quarterback hits (37), tackles for loss (19), sacks (league-best 19.5) and forced fumbles (six) to earn his first Pro Bowl honor and finish fourth in the AP Defensive Player of the Year voting.
He had another big year in 2020, helping lead Tampa Bay to a Super Bowl title, and signed a four-year contract extension in March 2021. Barrett made his second Pro Bowl during the 2021 campaign but went down with a season-ending torn Achilles in Week 8 of the 2022 season.
The 31-year-old and his family suffered a tragic loss last spring when Barrett's two-year-old daughter, Arrayah, drowned in the family's pool.
The Colorado State product finished the 2023 campaign ranked second on the team in forced fumbles (three) and tied for second in quarterback hits (nine).
More must-reads: