The 32-year-old retired last summer before returning late in the year. His rep, Drew Rosenhaus, said he will “definitely” play in 2025. It’s unclear if it will be with the Bucs. “We’ll never close the door on Shaq,” were the words of GM Jason Licht in February. “We’ll see where that goes. We never close the door on Shaq.” Barrett could be forced to wait until closer to camp to find out if he’s truly in the Bucs’ plans.

Barrett signed with the Bucs earlier this week after being released by the Dolphins. He usurpingly retired over the summer but decided to return late in the year. Still getting up to speed, he will look to make his return in Week 18.

Barrett abruptly retired over the summer after signing with the Dolphins as a free agent. The Dolphins cut him yesterday after keeping him on the reserve/retired list thus far. The 32-year-old had spent the 2019-2023 seasons with the Buccaneers prior to that, totaling a team-high 56 QB pressures in his final season with the team. Barrett rejoins an 8-7 Buccaneers squad that currently sits on the playoff bubble. He will immediately join the active roster, pending a physical.

Barrett will be waived from the Reserve Retired list and can be picked up by any team. If he clears waivers, he will be free to sign with any team of his choosing. Barrett applied for reinstatement to the league last month after announcing his retirement in July, but the Dolphins said they had no plans to waive the veteran linebacker or activate him at that time. Now, with an apparent change of heart, Barrett hopes to join a contender and compete in the postseason for a third NFL championship after winning two rings with the Broncos and Buccaneers.