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
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a lot of fond memories with outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett, but they’re officially moving on.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday that the Bucs are releasing Barrett. The move was expected given Barrett’s unique cap situation, and his release will be officially designated after June 1, by which the team will save $4.9 million.
Barrett counts for $26.7 million in dead money on the salary cap, as he would have played the last year of his four-year, $68 million deal with Tampa Bay in 2024. Now Barrett can look for a new team, but the Bucs can also save some money — that dead cap will be spread out, with Tampa Bay taking $9.2 million of it in 2024 and then $17.4 million of it in 2025.
Barrett had an illustrious career with the Bucs in the time he’s spent with them. In five years with Tampa Bay, Barrett has netted 45 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, 178 solo tackles and three interceptions. He helped the team win a ring in 2020 with an eight-sack year, but his best season to date came with the Bucs in 2019 when he racked up 19.5 sacks and was voted Second Team All-Pro.
With Barrett gone, Tampa Bay will work to address the edge rushing position in either the draft or free agency to pair a starting-caliber player with second-year player Yaya Diaby.
