Here's why Shaq Barrett is No. 20 on our Dolphins' Top 20 players countdown
(Part of a series counting down to the start of 2024 Dolphins training camp.)
The Dolphins needed to add an experienced pass rusher, uncertain of when Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) and Bradley Chubb (ACL) will be back this season.
Barrett should mesh with rookies Chop Robinson (Penn State) and Mo Kamara (Colorado State) until the future Pro Bowler Phillips and Pro Bowler Chubb return.
Why Shaq Barrett is No. 20
Barrett has had an accomplished NFL career, as a two-time Pro Bowler and a one-time second-team All Pro.
He also still carries a chip as an undrafted player and a player who's recently been cut for cap purposes.
It will be interested to see how Barrett produces in comparison to edge Andrew Van Ginkel, whom Miami lost to Minnesota in free agency.
Barrett has a 1-year, $7 million with Miami ($2.55 million cap hit in 2024 with four void years).
He had a $15 million cap hit last season, so this could be a good value play for Miami.
Telling stat
19.5: How many sacks Barrett had in 2019 for the Bucs.
He's had 25.5 sacks in the four seasons since.
More: Shaq Barrett: 'Dolphins gonna' be happy they signed me. Tampa gonna' be mad they let me go.'
How we see Shaq Barrett's future
According to Pro Football Focus, Barrett was the 42nd-graded edge rusher in the NFL last season.
But at 31, Barrett should have a few big pressure games left in the tank.
Barrett is also competent against the run. Under contract for one season in Miami, he's acknowledged has has "a lot to prove."
More: NFL Free Agents 2024: Shaq Barrett joining Miami Dolphins
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins 2024: Our Top 20 player countdown rolls on with Shaq Barrett
