Reeling after the fifth loss in six video games, the Buccaneers are looking at an equation that doesn’t embody their prime cross rusher. Though checks are nonetheless to come back, the staff fears Shaq Barrett suffered a torn Achilles throughout Thursday evening’s defeat, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com studies.
Barrett will endure an MRI on Friday, however these ominous studies normally precede main accidents. This stands to be Barrett’s longest absence as a professional and deal a major blow to Tampa Bay’s protection, a unit already battling uphill as a result of state of the staff’s offense.
Set to show 30 subsequent month, Barrett has been the Bucs’ prime rush presence since signing a one-year deal in 2019. The previous Broncos UDFA led the NFL with 19.5 sacks that yr, prompting the Bucs to hitch practically half the league in utilizing their franchise tag through the 2020 offseason. Barrett is now signed to a four-year, $68M deal — one which runs by means of the 2024 season.
The Bucs haven’t wanted to play with out Barrett for an prolonged stretch since he joined the staff. The Colorado State product has missed simply three video games over the previous three-plus seasons. He and Jason Pierre-Paul have been instrumental in delivering the Bucs their second Tremendous Bowl title, offering constant stress on Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes to shut out that championship march.
Barrett mixed for 4 sacks and eight quarterback hits within the Bucs’ last two video games in 2020; his Tremendous Bowl LV dominance led Todd Bowles‘ unit to develop into the third protection to carry an opponent and not using a landing in a Tremendous Bowl. Because the Bucs introduced again their whole championship core in 2021, they gave Barrett his sought-after deal.
After Barrett made his second Professional Bowl in 2021, the staff moved on from Pierre-Paul. The elder edge rusher ended up signing with the Ravens, dealing with his former staff Thursday evening. Tampa Bay now has 2021 first-rounder Joe Tryon-Shoyinka in place as its prime wholesome cross rusher. Tryon-Shoyinka has 1.5 sacks and three QB hits this season. Backup edge rushers Carl Nassib, who returned to the Bucs after a Raiders keep this offseason, and Anthony Nelson have two apiece. Each must be anticipated to play greater roles for Bowles’ protection, ought to Barrett certainly have sustained this main harm.
No assured cash stays on Barrett’s contract. Subsequent season shall be his tenth within the NFL; he’s set to rely $21.65M in opposition to the cap in 2023.
