Shaquil Barrett entered the NFL in 2014 with the Denver Broncos, where he played until 2018. That year, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, joining the team in what would become a career-defining move. Barrett remained in Tampa through 2023, then spent part of 2024 on the team’s practice squad before returning to the active roster later that same season.
Now, heading into 2025, the veteran linebacker finds himself without a team. However, Barrett insists he isn’t ready to retire and is determined to give at least one more strong year to whichever franchise signs him. He firmly believes the door to his NFL career hasn’t closed yet.
Can give it one more good year.
A career that began to decline
Since 2023, Barrett hasn’t had a truly significant season. While he played in several games that year, his role was limited, and by 2024, opportunities became even scarcer. Despite those challenges, Barrett says he has stayed motivated and focused, convinced he still has plenty of “gas left in the tank” to keep pressuring opposing quarterbacks.
I know for a fact that if any team was to pick me up… and for the price they’re going to be paying me, they’re going to be so happy with their investment.
To stay ready, Barrett has been training on his own, maintaining a rigorous routine as if he were a rookie preparing for his first NFL season. He wants to ensure that, when a team calls, he can immediately show his full potential on the field.
Strong years with Tampa Bay
During his prime, Barrett proved to be one of the league’s most dominant defenders. In 2019, he emerged as a cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ defense, breaking several franchise records. Among his achievements were the most sacks in a single season with 19.5, most sacks in a single game with four, and a tie for most forced fumbles in a game with two.
With those impressive numbers, Barrett believes any team that signs him will be making a smart move to strengthen its pass rush.
Whoever gets me will be smart to get me… I ain’t close the door on it yet.
Barrett said.
Focus on family while waiting
Barrett is a devoted father of five, aware that time keeps moving forward along with the NFL season. If no team calls, he knows his priority will shift fully to being there for his family.
Recently, a video of Barrett with his youngest daughter, Amaiah Marie, went viral after his wife, Jordanna, shared it online. In the clip, Barrett is seen learning – or relearning – how to change diapers, something he’s done before with his four older children. Jordanna playfully guides him through the process, highlighting his efforts to master the task.
While he waits for that much-anticipated call from an NFL team, Barrett remains committed to supporting his wife and kids, perfecting his diaper-changing technique, and staying ready for one more shot at the game he loves.
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