The Detroit Lions could use an additional pass rusher as they prepare to make another deep playoff run. The Lions’ defensive line has been decimated by injuries this season as they’ve lost Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, and Alim McNeil to season-ending injuries.
Detroit hopes Hutchinson can return in the postseason, possibly the NFC title game if they get there. However, the Lions can’t put all their eggs in that basket. Detroit added Za’Darius Smith ahead of last month’s trade deadline, which has helped their beleaguered pass rush.
But the Lions need one more pass rusher to help out their defense, and luckily for them, an unexpected option has shockingly become available.
On Thursday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Miami Dolphins are waiving former Pro Bowl edge rusher Shaq Barrett from the reserved retired list. Schefter adds that the 32-year-old defender can play again if he clears waivers.
However, if another team were to claim Barrett, he would be ineligible to play for the rest of the season.
Late last month, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported that Miami elected against activating the veteran pass rusher off the reserve/retired list and didn’t intend to release him. Weeks later, it seems like the Dolphins have changed their tune, which is good news for Barrett and possibly Detroit.
Before announcing his retirement in the summer, Barrett had 52 combined tackles, nine QB hits, 4.5 sacks, three tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and an interception with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season.
Barrett spent the last five years with the Buccaneers before signing a one-year, $7 million deal with the Dolphins in free agency. If he does get through waivers, Barrett playing on the opposite side of Smith in Aaron Glenn’s scheme would be nice.
The veteran pass rusher only has 7.5 sacks in his last two seasons with the Buccaneers, which was a far cry from what he did in 2021 (10 sacks). However, he still managed 35 QB pressures over that span, which is just as good as a sack.
Even though Barrett has missed most of the 2024 season, he would be an instant upgrade over Josh Pascal, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and Pat O’Connor.
