Former Broncos Super Bowl champion is coming out of retirement and wants to play again

Four months after announcing his retirement from the NFL in July, pass rusher Shaq Barrett is now planning to return to the league.

According to multiple reports from players’ agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey, the 32-year-old Barrett has applied for reinstatement. Assuming the NFL grants Barrett’s reinstatement, he could be back on the field soon.

The Miami Dolphins signed Barrett to a one-year deal in March, so they still retain his rights. When he returns this season, Barrett will be a Dolphin.

The veteran pass rusher entered the league with the Denver Broncos in 2014 as an undrafted free agent out of Colorado State. He spent five years with the Broncos and helped the team win Super Bowl 50 after the 2015 season.

When Barrett became a free agent in 2019, Denver had Von Miller and Bradley Chubb, so the team let Barrett walk. He landed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and won his second title after the 2020 season with a Super Bowl LV victory.

A two-time Pro Bowler, Barrett has totaled 125 quarterback hits and 59 sacks in his career. He last played 16 games for the Bucs in 2023.