The Detroit Lions strengthened their injury-riddled pass rush with the November trade for veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, but the team still required two players to completely address their needs. This was due to the significant injuries suffered by two key edge rushers: former No. 2 overall pick Aidan Hutchinson and 2024 free-agent signing Marcus Davenport, which have certainly affected the Lions’ defense.
At this point in the season, acquiring a high-impact pass rusher is almost unfeasible. Only extraordinary circumstances could allow the Lions a chance to add a player to reinforce their edge defense.
That rare situation is now unfolding, as the Miami Dolphins are set to waive veteran edge rusher Shaq Barrett from the reserve/retired list, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. However, if Barrett is claimed by another team, he would not be eligible to play for the remainder of the season. “The Miami Dolphins are waiving former Pro-Bowl edge rusher Shaq Barrett from the Reserve Retired list today,” Schefter reported on Thursday. “Barrett can play again this season if he clears waivers Friday. If another team claims him, then Barrett would be ineligible to play the rest of this season.”
Barrett’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, expressed gratitude, saying, “We appreciate the Dolphins giving Shaq this opportunity to continue his career in the NFL. Hopefully he will pass through waivers and become a free agent so he can play again this season. He is in great shape and would be ready to play immediately.”
In the offseason, Barrett signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Dolphins, but after unexpectedly retiring over the summer, he never played a game for Miami. Barrett decided to return in November, though the Dolphins did not activate him.
Given the stipulation that Barrett can’t play if claimed, it seems likely he will go unclaimed. While a playoff contender could potentially claim him to block him from joining another playoff team, this seems unlikely.
A two-time Pro Bowler, Barrett was once one of the top edge rushers in the NFL, even leading the league with 19.5 sacks in 2019. However, he has only recorded 7.5 sacks in his last 24 games, including just 4.5 sacks in 16 games during the 2023 season.
Though the 32-year-old may no longer be the player he once was and it’s uncertain how he would perform after a full season off, his mere presence would offer an upgrade to Detroit’s pass rush opposite Smith. Additionally, Barrett is a two-time Super Bowl champion, bringing valuable experience to the Lions.
If Barrett clears waivers, Detroit should certainly show interest, and there’s a strong possibility that Barrett would target a Super Bowl contender like the Lions.
