Over the weekend, two-time Super Bowl champion Shaquil Barrett retired from the game of football.
Barrett, still just 31, won Super Bowl 50 with Peyton Manning’s Denver Broncos and then won Super Bowl LV with Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Last season, Barrett worked back from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in the middle of 2022. He started 16 games for Tampa Bay last season but was released ahead of free agency, leading him to sign with the Miami Dolphins as a free agent in March.
But before he ever played a snap for the Dolphins, Barrett informed the club that he intends to retire, citing that he wants to spend more time with his loved ones.
You can’t blame a man for wanting to spend more time with his family. He has had an incredible career, playing 10 seasons in the league after going undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft.
But now the two-time Pro Bowler puts the Dolphins in a really tough spot.
Miami came into this offseason strapped for cash. Dolphins GM Chris Grier worked some magic, replacing veteran defenders like Christian Wilkins, Emmanuel Ogbah and Jerome Baker.
But now one of the replacements has decided to hang up his cleats.
Offensively, the Dolphins are stacked. They added Odell Beckham Jr. to pair with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Veteran linemen Austin Jackson and Terron Armstead will be tasked with keeping Tua Tagovailoa upright so he can get all of those playmakers involved. Tagovailoa is still in search of that new contract, and carrying the Dolphins offensively will help him secure it.
Defensively, things get a little shakier for the Fins. They’re going to need Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb to both return to form after their respective injuries. After losing Barrett, veteran linebackers Anthony Walker Jr. and Jordyn Brooks will need to carry their weight as well.
Veteran defensive linemen Zach Sieler, Neville Gallimore and Calais Campbell will also need to contribute.
It’s not exactly an embarrassment of riches, but rather a collection of veteran assets who will hopefully contribute enough to patch together some stops.
According to reports, the Dolphins will host Ogbah for a workout on Monday. The 30-year-old could add needed pass rush to Miami’s rolodex of veterans. After being released in February, the Dolphins might have no choice but to turn back to their old friend.
It’ll be interesting to monitor how new Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is able to generate pressure and get stops with this collection of veterans. Barrett’s retirement surely will not make his job any easier.
