NFL pass rusher Shaquil Barrett shocked NFL fans with his retirement announcement decision in July. Just months later, the 32-year-old is setting his sights on a comeback by seeking reinstatement into the league.

With his rights still owned by the Miami Dolphins, Barrett’s famed agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed the linebacker’s decision to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Barrett could immediately be slotted into Miami’s defense if approved, aiding a unit ranked at the 9th best in the league by yards and touchdowns allowed.

In July, Barrett announced his retirement in anInstagram post, sharing his desire to prioritize his family. “I want to shift my full focus to my wife and kids and help them realize their dreams,” he wrote, adding that the decision “has never been clearer.”

This decision followed a tragic period for the linebacker, who experienced an unimaginable loss when his 2-year-old daughter, Arrayah, tragically drowned in their pool. Through the heartbreak, Barrett returned for the 2023 season with 4.5 sacks and 52 tackles.

Barrett’s NFL journey began as an undrafted free agent in 2014 following three seasons at Colorado State. After shining in the NFL combine, the linebacker caught the attention of the Denver Broncos, who signed him to a three-year deal worth $1.5 million.

Barrett didn’t play a snap in Denver in his rookie season and was waived on the team’s final round of cuts, only to be brought back later. He spent five seasons with the organization before finding his stride in Tampa Bay in 2021, where he signed a $72 million extension with the team for four years.

Over five seasons with the Buccaneers, Barrett found. himself among the NFL’s elite, earning Pro Bowl honors twice [2019,2021] and leading the league with 19.5 sacks in 2019. He was a vital part of the Buccaneers’ 2020 Super Bowl-winning team, which featured another un-retirement in quarterback Tom Brady.

Shaquil Barrett leaves the field

Shaquil Barrett’s rights are with the Dolphins

When the Buccaneers released Barrett to save money following success, the Dolphins quickly signed him to a one-year deal. He announced his retirement just months later, failing to play a snap with the team.

As the Dolphins prepare for their Thursday night matchup against the Green Bay Packers, their linebacker group features injuries sidelining key players, including Tyus Bowser, Cameron Goode, and Anthony Walker Jr. Bowser has become one of Miami’s standout linebackers but was listed as questionable following the team’s dominant 34-15 victory over the New England Patriots.

Bowser has been dealing with lingering knee and calf injuries for weeks. Goode has been sidelined for three months due to a kneecap injury and was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform [PUP] list ever since. Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed that Walker Jr. is unlikely to play against Green Bay due to “various injuries.” and that he was shocked to hear about the un-retirement.

“I was fully caught by surprise this morning as I found out,” he said. “The team is counting on me to think about the Packers. I’ll get with Chris and we’ll work through that.” The Dolphins have a 5-6 record and are in second place in the AFC East behind the Buffalo Bills.