The Miami Dolphins are experiencing a unique situation regarding former Pro Bowl linebacker Shaq Barrett. Barrett signed with the AFC East squad in the offseason but chose instead to retire from the NFL. Now, Barrett has applied for reinstatement.
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Ian Rapoport reported on the news, stating, "Former Pro Bowl pass-rusher Shaq Barrett had applied for reinstatement after announcing his retirement this summer, per agent Drew Rosenhaus. He's under contract with the Dolphins."
If Barrett's reinstatement goes through, it would be believed that he would be doing so to rejoin the Dolphins. With the team currently on a three-game win streak and looking as though they might be charging toward a playoff spot, Barrett rejoining the team would be the perfect time.
Barrett was meant to be an integral part of the Dolphins pass rush, after both Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb suffered season-ending injuries in 2024. Phillips was able to rejoin the team earlier than expected and had already been making his presence known on the field in the four games he appeared in.
Sadly, Phillips suffered another season-ending injury, and will not make it back for the rest of 2024. Chubb has also not yet made his regular season debut after suffering a torn ACL at the end of the 2023 season.
Despite losing the two best pass rushers on the team, the Dolphins' defense has become one of the better units in the entire league. Rookie edge rusher Chop Robinson has been doing a fantastic job as of late, securing 3.5 sacks in the past four games.
Miami decided not to be active during free agency, despite needing an upgrade for the pass rush and run-stopping defensive players. Despite the need, the Dolphins' core players have stepped up in a big way.
The Dolphins currently have a top 10 defense, and a top 10 defense when stopping the run. That wasn't the case in the beginning of the season, but they have figured things out. Now, with Barrett potentially returning to the roster, this Miami team could end up being even more defensively sound.
This is, of course, if the Dolphins are expecting Barrett to play. That also assumes that Barrett is going to want to play for the Dolphins. His contractual rights still belong to Miami, so it would be believed they would have a conversation about him joining the team again.
With Chubb and Phillips out. The Dolphins could use a proven veteran to join the likes of Robinson and Calais Campbell. It will be interesting to see what Miami's coaching staff and front office do in the coming days and weeks.
Barrett has a total of 59 sacks through nine seasons, including securing 4.5 in the 2023 season. He also has two Super Bowl wins, is a Second-team All-Pro, and two-time Pro Bowler. Barrett is a fantastic player, and though he needed time away from the game — the Dolphins would be smart to allow him a chance back on the field.
If the Dolphins agree to let him rejoin the roster, this team could be in an even better position for a playoff push.
For more on the Dolphins, head to Newsweek Sports.
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