Shaq Barrett gets chance to impact playoffs with Buccaneers signing, ending retirement saga

Shaq Barrett has found a new — but familiar — home for the rest of the season.

Just one day after the Dolphins waived the linebacker from the reserved/retired list, the Buccaneers agreed to sign him for the stretch run, according to multiple reports.

Barrett cleared waivers on Friday, making him officially eligible to play again this season.

Prior to the first day of training camp this season, Barrett, 32, announced his retirement from the NFL after signing a one-year deal worth $7 million with the Dolphins in March.

Barrett announced his retirement from the NFL in July. AP

Not even a month later, however, Barrett alluded to the “perfect, perfect scenario” that would bring him out of retirement when he appeared on “Up and Adams.”

Miami attempted to put a hold on Barrett’s return to the league on Thanksgiving by refusing to move him off of the reserved/retired list, which previously made him ineligible to play on any team for the rest of the year.

But the two-time Pro Bowler is now returning to Tampa Bay after five seasons with the team (2019-23) and one Super Bowl win in 2020.

The linebacker led the NFL with 19.5 sacks in 2019 and remained a key defensive piece for the Bucs throughout his Tampa Bay tenure.

Shaq Barrett won a Super Bowl with the Bucs in 2020. AP

Tampa Bay sits just behind the Falcons for first place in the NFC South going into Week 17.

Despite both squads hosting an 8-7 record, the Falcons hold the tiebreaker, leaving the Bucs out of a playoff spot.

With Tampa Bay’s defense burdened with multiple injuries throughout this season, Barrett hopes to be a key factor as the Bucs attempt a playoff push over the final two games.

The Bucs face the Panthers on Sunday, while the Falcons will play the Commanders.