The Miami Dolphins have secured a new edge rusher by signing former Pro Bowler Shaq Barrett to a one-year deal worth up to $9 million, as confirmed by his agent.
This acquisition addresses the Dolphins’ pressing need for edge rush help under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, who joined the team from the Baltimore Ravens earlier in the offseason to replace the departed Vic Fangio.
The Dolphins faced challenges on the edge last season, losing both Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb to significant injuries towards the end of the year. Additionally, Andrew Van Ginkel departed in free agency to sign with the Minnesota Vikings.
Barrett became available earlier in the offseason due to cap considerations, and the 31-year-old pass rusher, although a few years removed from his physical peak, remains a formidable talent. His sack numbers dipped to 3 (in eight games) and 4.5 (in 16 games) over the last two seasons, following a standout 2019 campaign where he led the league with 19.5 sacks.
That year, he earned Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors and finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting. In subsequent seasons, he recorded 8 sacks in 2020 and 10 sacks in 2021.
Barrett is expected to contribute as a rotational rusher for the Dolphins. Anthony Weaver, the former defensive line coach in Baltimore, has a track record of extracting top performance from late-career veteran pass rushers, making this signing a promising fit for the Dolphins—especially when considering the return of Phillips and Chubb to their regular roles on the field.
