LB Shaquil Barrett is expected to return to the Bucs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to sign linebacker Shaquil Barrett, one day after the Miami Dolphins dismissed him, according to several media sites on Friday night.

The 32-year-old Barrett hasn’t played in an NFL game this year. His team from 2019–23 was the Buccaneers, with whom he most recently played. Over that time, he was selected to two Pro Bowls, including one in 2019 after leading the league in sacks (19.5).

Barrett was cut loose by Tampa Bay in February, and a month later he signed with the Dolphins. But he quit playing football in July. The Dolphins eventually placed Barrett on waivers this week after he never returned to the team after filing for reinstatement last month.

Barrett participated in 16 Buccaneers games last season, all of which he started, and contributed 52 tackles, 4.5 sacks, one interception, three forced fumbles, and two passes defensed.

Since joining the Denver Broncos in 2015–18, Barrett has participated in 131 NFL games, 85 of which have been starts. He has three interceptions, 20 forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, 400 tackles, 59 sacks, and 18 passes defensed.

The Bucs (8-7) are tied with the Falcons (8-7) for first place in the NFC South going into their Sunday home game against the Carolina Panthers. However, Atlanta won the first tiebreaker for a postseason place by sweeping Tampa Bay in the season series.