Earlier on Thursday, we posted a story suggesting three experienced players the Detroit Lions may sign to their practice squad ahead of the playoffs, but the universe chose to add one more: the Miami Dolphins are waiving former All-Pro edge rusher Shaq Barrett from the reserve retirement list.
Barrett signed with the Dolphins throughout the offseason before deciding to retire to spend time with his family. He wants to come out of retirement and play this season. The Lions need pass rushers, as we mentioned on Thursday in a column about how the Lions are getting pressures but not getting home as frequently as they could. Barrett might perhaps assist with it.
The good news is that, while Barrett is subject to waivers, no team will claim him since claiming someone released off the reserve retired list means the player is ineligible to play that season. Barrett can only play this season if he clears waivers and becomes a free agent. Then he can sign anywhere he wants, and the chances that he’ll look to sign with a contender are good.
Barrett may end up with a contender who is truly interested in playing him. The Lions are unlikely to start him, but he may fit into the rotation rather well.
The decision on whether or not to join the practice squad is up in the air. The Lions would most likely sign him and then spend a few weeks getting him ready, similar to what they did with Bruce Irvin last season. The practice squad might be the best option, but he’d probably like to be on a 53-man roster. That is doable for the Lions. They presently have two available positions, one of which will most likely be filled by returning Jalen Reeves-Maybin. The other we don’t yet know.
We’ll see where Barrett ends up, but it might happen quickly. He might be on a roster before the end of the week.