Dolphins waive Shaquil Barrett; LB can play if unclaimed

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins waived Shaquil Barrett on Thursday, roughly a month after the linebacker ended his temporary retirement in November.

Barrett signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the Dolphins this offseason however introduced his retirement in July, the day earlier than the crew opened coaching camp. He filed for reinstatement in November, however the Dolphins declined to activate him, regardless of lacking their high two go rushers, Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb.

Barrett’s choice to unretire got here days earlier than the deadline to take action in Week 13, and Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel known as the crew’s choice “a numbers sport.”

“In simply speaking with [Dolphins general manager] Chris [Grier] the place our roster is at and the gamers which have earned the precise to be on it,” McDaniel stated in November. “It’s only a numbers sport within the NFL, so the timing I do not suppose was essentially supreme.”

Barrett, 32, can play once more this season if he clears waivers Friday. If one other crew claims him, he can be ineligible to play the remainder of this season.

Barrett’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, thanked the crew for its most up-to-date choice.

“We admire the Dolphins giving Shaq this chance to proceed his profession within the NFL,” Rosenhaus advised ESPN’s Adam Schefter. “Hopefully, he’ll go by waivers and turn out to be a free agent so he can play once more this season. He’s in nice form and can be able to play instantly.”

McDaniel introduced Tuesday that the Dolphins wouldn’t activate Chubb from the bodily unable to carry out checklist, reverting the two-time Professional Bowler again to the reserve checklist for the rest of the season.

Rookie Chop Robinson has performed nicely of their stead and is 2.5 sacks from tying Phillips’ rookie franchise document set in 2021.

The Dolphins play the Cleveland Browns in Week 17. A loss or a Denver Broncos win would eradicate them from playoff rivalry.