Linebacker Shaq Barrett had a career season with Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019, benefiting from a change of scenery after four mediocre seasons with Denver Broncos. It appears that Barrett really settled in Tampa, as he would now prefer to remain there long-term.
Barrett was a defensive force in 2019 for the Buccs, leading the league with 19.5 sacks, while he added 58 tackles, six forced fumbles, and one interception. He did that all on a one-year deal, which paid him just $4 million. Now as the 27-year-old enters the free agency for the second time in his career, he is looking to use this momentum to get paid. But, he also hopes that Buccaneers will be the one presenting him with the best offer.
“I’m expecting to still be down here in Tampa. I feel as though we both feel that we got a lot of good momentum from last year we’re gonna build on,” Barrett recently told NFL Network. “So, we’re gonna try to work that out and figure out what that’s going to look like but I’m confident I’ll be down here.”
Shaq Barrett also earned Pro Bowl and Second-Team All-Pro nods for his efforts while starting all 16 games of the season. He credits the Tampa Bay’s coaching staff and confidence they had in him for this kind of success.
“It is important to me. It’s like all my success as a starter is down here, and it’s not broke. There’s no reason for me to want to try to go fix something that’s not broke,” he added. “So, I’m on board but I still do understand it’s a business so I am preparing for anything. Emotionally, I think it’s going to be down in Tampa.”
Barrett started his pro career with Broncos, who signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2014. During his time in Denver, he played 61 games (15 starts) and contributed with 14.0 sacks and more than 150 tackles.
