The Detroit Lions significantly improved their depleted pass rush by acquiring veteran Za’Darius Smith at the trade deadline in November, but the team ideally needed two players to address the gap fully.
The Lions are dealing with the loss of two key edge rushers—former No. 2 overall pick Aidan Hutchinson and free-agent signing Marcus Davenport—both sidelined by major injuries, leaving a noticeable dent in the defense.
Finding a game-changing pass rusher this late in the season is nearly impossible. Only unusual circumstances could give the Lions a shot at boosting their defensive edge.
That unusual situation is happening now, as the Miami Dolphins are preparing to waive veteran pass rusher Shaq Barrett from the reserve/retired list, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. However, if another team claims Barrett, he won’t be eligible to play for the rest of the season.
“The Miami Dolphins are waiving former Pro-Bowl edge rusher Shaq Barrett from the Reserve Retired list today,” Schefter reported Thursday. “Barrett can play again this season if he clears waivers Friday. If another team claims him, then Barrett would be ineligible to play the rest of this season.”
“We appreciate the Dolphins giving Shaq this opportunity to continue his career,” Barrett’s agent Drew Rosenhaus said. “Hopefully, he clears waivers and becomes a free agent so he can play this season. He’s in great shape and ready to play immediately.”
Barrett signed a one-year, $7 million contract with Miami but never played after unexpectedly retiring in the summer. He chose to return in November, but the Dolphins did not reactivate him.
Given that Barrett can’t play if claimed, it’s likely he’ll clear waivers. A playoff team could claim him to block his signing elsewhere, but such a move seems unlikely.
A two-time Pro Bowler, Barrett was once among the league’s top edge rushers, leading with 19.5 sacks in 2019. However, he has only 7.5 sacks in his last 24 games, including 4.5 in 2023.
Though Barrett, 32, may not be in peak form, his presence would still bolster Detroit’s pass rush alongside Smith. His experience as a two-time Super Bowl champion could provide critical leadership for the Lions.
If Barrett clears waivers, the Lions should strongly consider signing him. It’s highly probable Barrett would
