Dolphins Will Not Activate Shaq Barrett

Shaq Barrett‘s attempts to resume his career in 2024 have fallen short. The veteran edge rusher will remain on the reserve/retired list past today’s activation deadline, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The move means Barrett will not be eligible to suit up for Miami this season. Rapoport adds the team also does not intend to place Barrett on waivers, something which would have allowed him to join a new team either via a claim or as a free agent. Any further efforts on his part to play again in the NFL will need to wait until 2025 as a result. Retired players cannot reach free agency, so the two-time Pro Bowler’s contract will toll.

Barrett joined the Dolphins on a one-year deal in free agency, a move which appeared to set him up to serve a notable edge rushing role during the early portion of the campaign in particular. Bradley Chubb has still yet to make his season debut, while Jaelan Phillips is out for the year due to a knee injury. Barrett applied for reinstatement on Tuesday, and he reportedly expressed a willingness to play for Miami over the closing weeks of the season.

It was uncertain whether or not the team would reciprocate the feeling, however, and today’s update confirms Barrett is not in the Dolphins’ plans. Chubb could still play at some point this season, and the decision not to activate Barrett might be a sign of optimism he will be suiting up soon. In any case, Miami will move forward with a pass-rushing contingent including first-round rookie Chop Robinson along with veterans Emmanuel Ogbah and Tyus Bowser until Chubb is activated.

Barrett’s decision to retire came as a surprise to the Dolphins at the time, although it was one he had been contemplating. The 32-year-old won a Super Bowl with both the Broncos and Buccaneers, racking up 59 sacks in 131 career games. He could still manage to add to those totals if he elects to resume his unretirement efforts during the offseason. Failing that, however, his playing days are over.