Sports

Buccaneers to release Shaquil Barrett before new league year

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to part ways with outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett, a move that will grant the team approximately $5 million in salary cap relief.

Tampa Bay, Florida, USA, November 12, 2023, Tampa Bay Buccaneers player Shaquill Barrett #7 at Raymond James Stadium. (Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis)

General manager Jason Licht disclosed that he apprised Barrett of the impending decision last Friday. ESPN is reporting from multiple team sources that the choice was challenging for the Buccaneers.

Licht expressed his sentiments on Tuesday, stating, “Did not want to make that call. At the same time I did — I wanted to give him some time here to look for another team if that’s what he wants to do. We can’t officially release him until beginning of the league year, but he actually calmed me down on the call.”

Barrett, facing a $15.04 million option bonus due next month, acknowledged the likelihood of being cut due to his substantial cap charge. Despite expressing his desire to stay with the Bucs, the nine-year veteran recognized the business aspect of the situation.

Licht hinted at the possibility of Barrett’s return in the future, a prospect corroborated by team sources speaking to ESPN. They underscored Barrett’s esteem as both a player and an individual.

The Buccaneers intend to designate Barrett as a post-June 1 cut, allowing the team to spread his $26.7 million dead cap charges across 2024 and 2025. Consequently, Barrett will count $9.3 million against the cap in 2024 and $17.4 million in 2025.

Barrett, 31, garnered recognition as a two-time Pro Bowler during his tenure with the Bucs, notably contributing to their championship-winning defense in 2020. His impactful performance included three sacks against the Packers in the NFC Championship Game and another against the Chiefs in Super Bowl LV.

Tragically, Barrett and his family endured a devastating loss in April 2023 when his 2-year-old daughter, Arrayah, drowned in the family’s pool. Despite the heartbreak, Barrett returned for the 2023 season, amassing 4.5 sacks and 52 combined tackles.

His standout moments, such as intercepting quarterback Justin Fields for a touchdown in Week 2 and delivering a crucial half sack against Jordan Love in Week 15, underscored his resilience and dedication to the game.

Barrett, initially an undrafted free agent from Colorado State in 2015, boasts an impressive career with 59 sacks across nine seasons with the Buccaneers and Broncos. Notably, he led the NFL with a franchise-record 19.5 sacks in 2019 and achieved double-digit sack totals in 2021.

The Buccaneers’ decision to part ways with Barrett marks the end of a significant chapter for both the player and the team, characterized by triumphs on the field and challenges off it.

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