Jun 4, 2024; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Shaquil Barrett (58) works out throughout obligatory minicamp at Baptist Well being Coaching Complicated. Obligatory Credit score: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports activities Over the weekend, two-time Tremendous Bowl champion Shaquil Barrett retired from the sport of soccer.
Barrett, nonetheless simply 31, received Tremendous Bowl 50 with Peyton Manning’s Denver Broncos after which received Tremendous Bowl LV with Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Final season, Barrett labored again from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in the course of 2022. He began 16 video games for Tampa Bay final season however was launched forward of free company, main him to signal with the Miami Dolphins as a free agent in March.
However earlier than he ever performed a snap for the Dolphins, Barrett knowledgeable the membership that he intends to retire, citing that he needs to spend extra time along with his family members.
You possibly can’t blame a person for eager to spend extra time along with his household. He has had an unimaginable profession, enjoying 10 seasons within the league after going undrafted within the 2014 NFL Draft.
However now the two-time Professional Bowler places the Dolphins in a very robust spot.
Miami got here into this offseason strapped for money. Dolphins GM Chris Grier labored some magic, changing veteran defenders like Christian Wilkins, Emmanuel Ogbah and Jerome Baker.
However now one of many replacements has determined to hold 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 can be tasked with retaining Tua Tagovailoa upright so he can get all of these playmakers concerned. Tagovailoa remains to be seeking that new contract, and carrying the Dolphins offensively will assist him safe it.
Defensively, issues get just a little shakier for the Fins. They’re going to wish Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb to each return to kind after their respective accidents. After shedding Barrett, veteran linebackers Anthony Walker Jr. and Jordyn Brooks might want to carry their weight as properly.
Veteran defensive linemen Zach Sieler, Neville Gallimore and Calais Campbell can even have to contribute.
It’s not precisely a humiliation of riches, however somewhat a set of veteran property who will hopefully contribute sufficient to patch collectively some stops.
In accordance with reviews, the Dolphins will host Ogbah for a exercise on Monday. The 30-year-old might add wanted move rush to Miami’s rolodex of veterans. After being launched in February, the Dolphins may need no selection however to show again to their outdated good friend.
It’ll be fascinating to watch how new Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is ready to generate stress and get stops with this assortment of veterans. Barrett’s retirement absolutely won’t make his job any simpler.
