Shaq Barrett Eyes NFL Reinstatement After Retiring; Dolphins Hold Contract Rights

Five months after retiring from the NFL, two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Shaq Barrett is looking to return to the field.

Barrett's agents, Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey, told ESPN's Adam Schefter their client has applied for reinstatement with the goal of being able to play immediately.

The Miami Dolphins signed Barrett to a one-year deal in March, so they hold his contractual rights if he does get reinstated by the NFL.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald noted Barrett is "fine" playing for the Dolphins if he is reinstated.

Barrett's decision to retire from the NFL right before the start of training camp in July seemingly came out of nowhere. He wrote on Instagram that it would be a "surprise" to a lot of people, but he had been thinking about it for "a while" and it was a "clear" decision for him.

The Dolphins signed Barrett after he was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a move to clear cap space. He played five seasons with the Bucs from 2019 to '23, winning a Super Bowl in 2020.

Barrett originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos in 2014. He established himself as a role player in their defense for four seasons before signing with the Bucs as a free agent.

Tampa Bay utilized Barrett as a starting outside linebacker right away. He responded by leading the NFL with 19.5 sacks and finishing fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2019.

If Barrett is reinstated by the NFL, he could be a difference-maker for Miami. The Dolphins desperately need any pass-rush help they can get. Their 21 sacks are tied for the fifth-fewest in the league this season.

Calais Campbell and Zach Sieler are tied for the team lead with four sacks. Campbell also leads the team with nine tackles for loss.

The Dolphins (5-6) have won three straight games to put themselves back into the AFC playoff picture. They are one game behind the Denver Broncos (7-5) in the loss column for the final wild-card spot.