TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — It’s been a triumphant five-year run for Tampa Bay Buccaneers veteran outside linebacker Shaq Barrett, who holds the team record for sacks.
On Tuesday, general manager Jason Licht and sources around the league shared the team is releasing the two-time Pro Bowler.
ESPN’s Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter announced on social media that Barrett had a $15.04 million option bonus due next month. Instead of collecting it, the 31-year-old is now set to become a free agent.
FOX Sports’ Greg Auman also shared that the decision to release the veteran was expected. He said Barrett will likely be a post-June 1 cut, “helping spread the $26.7 million in dead money between 2024 and 2025.”
The move comes as the Buccaneers are working to secure long-term deals with star wide receiver Mike Evans and quarterback Baker Mayfield, who joined the team this past offseason.
Despite the move being expected, Licht told reporters at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis Tuesday that the call to relieve Barrett was a call he didn’t want to make.
According to PewterReport, Licht said Barrett is an “incredible person and player,” and while the call was difficult, he wanted to give Barrett “some time to find a new team.” He also shared that Barrett calmed him down on the phone following the news.
Barrett, who set the Buccaneers’ single-season sack record in 2019 with 17.5.
Throughout his time in Tampa Bay, Barrett has become a strong force in the community, growing continued support from the area and his teammates following the tragic death of his 2-year-old daughter, Arrayah, after she fell into the family’s pool last spring.
Barrett’s wife, Jordanna, who just welcomed a baby girl Allanah Ray earlier this month, posted on Instagram following the news of Barrett’s release.
“Well, the news is out. And we are sad! But truly it’s a business! Tampa will forever hold such a special place in my heart! The community we have here, is incredible. We’ve never felt so loved and valued. Thank you to the Bucs, who undoubtedly have become family. Through the hardest year of our lives, the love and support they gave us is unmatched! And we are forever thankful! Who knows where the next road will lead us, but for now we’re enjoying off season and are excited to see what’s next! #TGBTG ❤️” she wrote.
Barrett entered the NFL as a college free agent with the Denver Broncos in 2014. He spent his first four seasons with the team, winning the 2016 Super Bowl before signing with Tampa Bay as an unrestricted free agent in 2019.
