Earlier on Thursday, we published a story discussing three veteran players that the Detroit Lions could potentially add to their practice squad as they prepare for the playoffs. But then, just when it seemed like the Lions’ options were set, the universe threw a curveball their way. The Miami Dolphins, in a surprise move, announced they are waiving former All-Pro edge rusher Shaq Barrett from their reserve retired list.
Barrett, a standout pass rusher who had signed with the Dolphins in the offseason, decided to retire earlier in the year to spend more time with his family. However, now he’s looking to come out of retirement and rejoin the NFL for the remainder of this season. With his experience, talent, and determination to get back on the field, Barrett could become a major asset for a team in need of pass rush help—and that team could very well be the Detroit Lions.
As we highlighted in our previous story on Thursday, the Lions have struggled with their pass rush. While they have been effective at generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks, they haven’t been able to consistently convert those pressures into sacks. The addition of a player like Shaq Barrett could be just what the Lions need to bolster their pass rush heading into the playoffs.
The good news for the Lions is that although Barrett is being waived, no team is likely to claim him off waivers. The reason for this is that players waived off the reserve retired list are ineligible to play for the season if claimed, so no team would risk taking him on unless they were prepared to wait until next year. This means Barrett is highly likely to clear waivers and become a free agent, allowing him to sign with any team he chooses. The odds are high that he would be looking to join a playoff contender—enter the Detroit Lions.
Now, let’s be realistic: while Barrett has proven himself to be an elite pass rusher in the past, it’s unlikely that the Lions would immediately insert him into the starting lineup. Instead, Barrett could provide a solid addition to the defensive rotation, giving the Lions an extra weapon to rotate in and keep their edge rushers fresh. This would be especially valuable during the intense, high-stakes games of the playoffs.
As for whether Barrett would join the Lions’ practice squad or secure a spot on the active roster, that remains uncertain. If the Lions sign him, they would likely take a few weeks to get him up to speed, similar to what they did with veteran linebacker Bruce Irvin last season. The practice squad would be a logical first step, allowing Barrett to get acclimated to the Lions’ system and physical demands. However, Barrett will likely have his sights set on a spot on the 53-man roster, which is something the Lions could accommodate. Currently, the team has two open roster spots, and one of those spots is almost certainly going to be filled by the returning Jalen Reeves-Maybin. The other spot, however, remains up for grabs, and Barrett could very well end up claiming it.
It’s safe to say that this situation could develop quickly. Barrett could find himself on a roster by the end of the week, and the Lions—already in a strong playoff position—could be just the team he’s looking to join. Whether he ends up on the practice squad or the active roster, adding a player of Barrett’s caliber to the mix could be exactly what the Lions need to strengthen their defense and make a deep run into the postseason. Stay tuned, because this is one situation that could evolve in the blink of an eye.
