Dolphins key pass-rush acquisition announces retirement

Veteran edge rusher Shaq Barrett, who was being counted on to play a key role in the Miami Dolphins’ pass rush early in the season, has retired, the Sun Sentinel has confirmed on Saturday. ESPN was first to report the story.

Barrett, the 31-year-old two-time Super Bowl champion who had a league-leading 19.5 sacks in 2019 and 10 sacks in 2021, informed the Dolphins he wants to spend more time with his family, according to ESPN.

The Dolphins pass rushing unit is now in a bit of disarray days before training opens.

The top three edge rushers are now 37-year-old Calais Campbell, rookie first-round pick Chop Robinson and rookie fifth-round pick Mo Kamara.

The Dolphins were hoping Barrett could hold  down pass rushing duties early in the season while starting edge rushers Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) and Bradley Chubb (knee) recover from season-ending injuries sustained in December.

Barrett recorded 4.5 sacks in 16 starts last season for Tampa Bay.

Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles, speaking at the NFL Owners meetings in Orlando in May, said he thought Barrett would be a “steal” for the Dolphins.

“I think he’s going to be a steal for them, and I think he’s going to have a very good year,” Bowles said. “Shaq’s going to be a tough player for them. He’s very aggressive. He’s great to work with. He’s a hard worker.”

Barrett spent the past five seasons with Tampa Bay, totaling 45 sacks in 70 games, all starts.

The Dolphins start with a challenging quartet of quarterbacks to open the season, facing Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence, Buffalo’s Josh Allen, Seattle’s Geno Smith and Tennessee’s Will Levis.