Shaq Barrett abandoned by Dolphins; did not appear in the game after signing the contract | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats and Rumors

The Miami Dolphins plan to waive former Pro Bowl passer Shaq Barrett on Thursday, according to ESPN. Adam Schefter.

He will only be able to play for another team this season if he clears a waiver on Friday, Schefter added.

Barrett last played in the 2023 season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He signed with the Dolphins as a free agent in March, then retired in July. to apply for reinstatement in November.

Barrett’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told Schefter that the edge rusher “is in great shape and would be ready to play immediately” for another team.

Rosenhaus also thanked the Dolphins for giving Barrett an “opportunity to continue his career in the NFL,” according to Schefter.

The Dolphins opted not to activate Barrett from the reserve/retired list following his request to return, according to NFL Network. Ian Rapoport reported in November.

Rapoport wrote on Nov. 28 that the Dolphins “had no intention of releasing him and allowing him to play for another team in the middle of a playoff push.”

The Dolphins still have a narrow path to the playoffs, but need a win in Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns to stay in the race. Even a win won’t be enough if the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos also win this weekend (h/t NFL Playoff Scenarios.)

If Barrett clears waivers and signs with another team in free agency, he could return for Week 18 and the playoffs.

One potential playoff team that might be interested in Barrett could be the Buccaneers, who originally parted ways with Barrett in a deal. cost reduction approach. The Bucs have yet to secure a playoff spot, but could boost their playoff chances with a Week 17 win over the Carolina Panthers and Barrett. said previously he would only be willing to come out of retirement to join his old team.

Barrett, who won two Super Bowls with the Buccaneers and Denver Broncos, led the NFL with 19.5 sacks in 2019.

After the tragic death of his two-year-old daughter in April 2023, Barrett returned for one final campaign with the Buccaneers. He finished the 2023 season with 4.5 sacks and 52 combined tackles.

He now looks to enter free agency with 59.0 career sacks and 400 combined tackles in 131 career regular season appearances.