In the opening stages of a mad dash to create cap space prior to free agency beginning, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have moved on from one of the most accomplished players from the franchise's recent run of success, parting ways with Shaq Barrett.
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Tuesday, the Buccaneers released two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion linebacker Shaq Barrett. ESPN's Adam Schefter shared the news via X.
Buccaneers are releasing two-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett, per sources.
Barrett had a $15.04 million option bonus due next month. Instead of collecting it, he now will become a free agent. pic.twitter.com/4We6T0zzXw
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 27, 2024
Releasing Barrett prevented a $15 million roster bonus from vesting, when the new league year begins on March 13, and allows the 2019 Second-Team All-Pro selection to sign with another team immediately.
Barrett, 31, spent the past five seasons with the Buccaneers where he became a dominant force in Tampa's front-seven, and one of the most respected leadership voices of a team that is in the midst of a four-year streak of making the postseason.
Through the first nine seasons of his career, since being signed as an undrafted free agent by the Denver Broncos — where he spent his first four seasons, Barrett has logged 400 total tackles with 59 sacks, and three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.
Barrett returned to the field in 2023, following an Achilles injury that cost him the second-half of the 2022 campaign and the tragic death of his two-year-old daughter, Arrayah. Last season, Barrett showed that he can still play at a high level, posting 52 tackles with 4.5 sacks.
When free agency gets underway, Barrett could see a strong market, especially among playoff-caliber teams aiming to upgrade the talent at linebacker.
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers now have approximately $40.5 million in effective cap space, but have major decisions to make when it comes to the futures of All-Pro wide receiver Mike Evans, quarterback Baker Mayfield, and other key pieces of Tampa's veteran core.
