Last-Minute Switch: Pro Bowler Shaq Barrett Reveals How Close He Came to Signing with the New York Jets Before Joining the Miami Dolphins.
According to reports, the New York Jets were very close to signing a two-time Super Bowl winner in free agency. Then, in classic Jets form, bad luck struck.
Shaq Barrett, a veteran linebacker, acknowledged on Friday that he was seriously considering joining with the Jets before deciding to sign with the Miami Dolphins.
Barrett inked a one-year deal with the Dolphins worth up to $9 million.
Shaq Barrett Revealed Just How Close He Was To Signing With The New York Jets
Barrett discussed the last-minute turn in his free agency journey this month with CBS Sports radio host Zach Gelb on Friday.
Barrett claimed that before the Dolphins “came out of left field,” even he had assumed he would wind up with the Jets. The seasoned Tampa Bay Buccaneer acknowledged that at first, he was drawn to the thought of relocating to New York.
“My agent was talking to me about potentially going to [the New York Jets], and it was New York all the way up until … the day I ended up agreeing to terms with the Dolphins,” Barrett told Gelb. “And they just came out of left field, for real.
“I loved the prospect of going to New York. But Dolphins, they’re just more established as a team. They’re more proven at this point. And they’ve got some good guys in the room, like in my pass-rush room, so I was looking forward to partnering up with them guys. And no state tax, so that helps out a lot.”
Shaq Barrett Brings A Ton Of Veteran Experience To The Miami Dolphins
Barrett is a proven commodity who has participated in 11 postseason games and two Super Bowls; the Jets lost out on him.
In his rookie season with the Bucs in 2019, Barrett recorded 19.5 sacks, 58 combined tackles, and 37 quarterback hits, which led the NFL in sacks. In 2021, Barrett led the Buccaneers to the Pro Bowl and recorded 10.0 sacks and 22 quarterback hits.
The previous season, Barrett’s stats decreased. The 31-year-old pass rusher finished with 52 total tackles, nine quarterback hits, and 4.5 sacks in 16 games. However, the seasoned player continued to be a trusted part of the Buccaneers’ defensive lineup.
