The two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher is coming out of retirement and could return to the Dolphins

Shaquil Barrett has changed course again, reportedly filing reinstatement paperwork four months after his abrupt resignation in July. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher has requested to return to the NFL immediately.

The Miami Dolphins signed Barrett, a former Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers pass rusher, to a one-year contract in March. But in July, just days before he was scheduled to report for training camp, he announced his retirement from the league, citing a desire to focus on his wife and children.

In his absence, the Dolphins struggled to overpower the passer early in the season, as Bradley Chubb has yet to return from a torn ACL that ended his 2023 season and Jaelan Phillips suffered a season-ending knee injury in September. But Miami’s pass rush has improved in recent weeks with the emergence of first-round rookie Chop Robinson, who has 3.5 sacks in the last four weeks.

Nevertheless, there is room for further improvement. Behind starters Robinson and Emmanuel Ogbah, who each have 3.5 sacks, only Quinton Bell has recorded a sack. The Dolphins signed Tyus Bowser for depth in October, but he struggled, recording just four pressures in seven games.

The eventual return of Chubb could provide a boost, but the Dolphins may be interested in seeing if Barrett still has what it takes to make an impact down the stretch. On the other hand, Miami might be inclined to part ways with the veteran, who hasn’t even arrived at training camp yet after signing with the team.

It is also currently unclear whether Barrett has a role in mind with Miami upon his return. However, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald says the pass rusher isn’t looking for a way out of the Dolphins’ roster.

Barrett, 32, earned Pro Bowl nods in 2019 and 2021 with the Buccaneers. He has 59 career sacks in nine seasons, including a league-leading 19.5 in 2019.

More Miami Dolphins!

Dolphins activate G Isaiah Wynn from IR and waive veteran OL

The Dolphins expect six players to be unable to practice on Monday

It’s unlikely that two of the Dolphins’ defensive starters will play in Week 13 against the Packers

This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: The two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher is coming out of retirement and could return to the Dolphins