Over the weekend, two-time Super Bowl champion Shaquill Barrett retired from football.
Barrett, just 31 years old, won Super Bowl 50 with Peyton Manning’s Denver Broncos and then won Super Bowl 55 with Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Barrett was working his way back from a torn Achilles tendon he suffered in the middle of 2022. He played 16 games with Tampa Bay last season but was waived before becoming a free agent and signed as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins in March.
However, before his first appearance with the Dolphins, Barrett informed the club of his intention to retire, citing a desire to spend more time with loved ones.
You can’t blame the guy for wanting to spend more time with his family, as he’s had a stellar career playing 10 seasons in the league after going undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft.
But now, the emergence of the two-time Pro Bowl selection has put the Dolphins in a very tough spot.
Miami entered this offseason short on cash, and Dolphins general manager Chris Grier worked his magic by replacing veteran defenders Christian Wilkins, Emmanuel Ogbah and Jerome Baker.
But now, one of the replacements has decided to retire.
Offensively, the Dolphins are well-equipped. They added Odell Beckham Jr. to pair with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Veteran linemen Austin Jackson and Terron Armstead will help keep Tua Tagovailoa upright so he can get all his playmakers involved. Tagovailoa is still looking for a new contract, and leading the Dolphins offensively would help him get one.
Defensively, the Fins’ situation is a bit shaky as Jaylan Phillips and Bradley Chubb each need to recover from injuries and get back into shape, while veteran linebackers Anthony Walker Jr. and Jordyn Brooks will also need to step up in the role after losing Barrett.
Veteran defensive linemen Zach Seeler, Neville Gallimore and Callais Campbell will also need to contribute.
We don’t have a ton of talent, exactly, but we have a lot of veteran talent and we’re hopeful that they’ll contribute enough to repair some of the stops.
Reports sayThe Dolphins are scheduled to invite Ogbah in for a workout on Monday. The 30-year-old could add some much-needed pass rush to Miami’s veteran roster. After he was released in February, the Dolphins may have no choice but to turn to their old friend.
It will be interesting to see how new Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver can apply pressure and get stops with his veteran roster, and Barrett’s retirement certainly won’t make his job any easier.
