Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Shaq Barrett: ‘Feels like a rookie again’ on recovery and return to starting lineup.

Following four seasons playing for the Denver Broncos, linebacker Shaquil Barrett set out to find an opportunity to earn a starting job. That search landed him with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In his first season under coach Todd Bowles, who was the defensive coordinator at the time, Barrett set the NFL world on fire and helped put the Buccaneers on the national map as he racked up 19.5 sacks during the 2019 season.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to get Tampa Bay to the postseason, but it was enough to help lure quarterback Tom Brady into the fold, and a Super Bowl championship came with him that following year.

Reflecting on Career of Mountain West Alumnus Shaq Barrett - Mountain West  Connection

While that much success is not likely to take place in his return to the Buccaneers — partially because there’s simply not enough time to expect that kind of sack production, even when including playoff opportunities — it isn’t hard to see why Barrett would feel excited and rejuvenated as he makes his return to where he found his greatest professional success.

“I’m doing good. I’m just taking it all back in,” Barrett said in his first interview since coming out of retirement to rejoin the Bucs. “Feel like a rookie again, just re-motivated, rejuvenated, and just happy to just be part of the team and trying to make a run to the playoffs.”

Barrett says two or three weeks ago he found out three teams were interested in his services and that one of them was the Buccaneers, and that’s when his interest piqued and talks of coming out of retirement took a sharp turn into being very serious.

Shaquil Barrett: Tampa Bay Buccaneers re-sign linebacker to four-year, $72m  deal | NFL News | Sky Sports

With other teams interested in having Barrett on their roster, the edge rusher admitted he likely would have come back even if the Bucs didn’t want him. But being in Tampa Bay is the most advantageous situation for him, he said, and the right one for him of any other of the 31 possibilities that may have lay before him.

“It’s so much more sweeter to be able to come back here to home. And for the guys that I know already and the playbook,” Barrett said. “I got to put that time and those hours in to get everything back down, so I come out and play fast. But yeah, it was a no-brainer to come back to come back here.”

Related Posts

The San Francisco 49ers are considering hiring Travis Kelce as coordinator after he announced he would retire from the Kansas City Chiefs. G

New Title: “Travis Kelce’s Hypothetical Role with the 49ers: A Debate That Never Was” In a fictional scenario, let’s imagine the San Francisco 49ers considering hiring Travis…

Aaron Rodgers wants to return to Packers before retiring. G

In a fictional scenario, let’s imagine Aaron Rodgers expressing his desire to return to the Green Bay Packers before retiring. While there is no evidence that Rodgers…

Aaron Boone has a new share: “Nothing can stop the Yankees from advancing to the World Series”. G

In a fictional scenario, let’s imagine Aaron Boone declaring, “Nothing can stop the Yankees from advancing to the World Series.” While there is no evidence that Boone…

Congratulations: Pittsburgh Steelers legend Greg Lloyd officially voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. G

New Title: “Greg Lloyd’s Hypothetical Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame: A Debate That Never Was” In a fictional scenario, let’s imagine Greg Lloyd, the…

Fred Jackson sends strong message to Bills as they successfully acquire Joey Bosa. G

New Title: “Fred Jackson’s Hypothetical Reaction to the Bills’ Acquisition of Joey Bosa: A Debate That Never Was” In a fictional scenario, let’s imagine Fred Jackson, the…

Cardinals coach compares top prospect to one of the greatest pitchers of all time. G

Feb 25, 2025; Dυпediп, Florida, USA; St. Loυis Cardiпals startiпg pitcher Qυiпп Mathews (60) throws agaiпst the Toroпto Blυe Jays iп the first iппiпg of a spriпg…