Dolphins will waive Shaq Barrett on Thursday

Veteran edge rusher Shaq Barrett could return to the field before the 2024 season is over.

Barrett’s agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN that the Dolphins have agreed to waive Barrett. Barrett retired ahead of the season, but expressed interest in returning to action late last month. The Dolphins opted not to activate him or release him at that point, but have changed course now and Barrett will be eligible to play in Week 18 and the postseason if he clears waivers and signs with another team. If he’s claimed, he will not be able to play as he would remain on the reserve/retired list.

“We appreciate the Dolphins giving Shaq this opportunity to continue his career in the NFL,” Rosenhaus said. “Hopefully he will pass through waivers and become a free agent so he can play again this season. He is in great shape and would be ready to play immediately.”

Barrett had 4.5 sacks for the Buccaneers last season and has 59 sacks for his career, so he could provide a boost to the pass rush of a team headed for the playoffs. That might be enough of a reason for another contender without that need to claim him and keep him from returning to the field, so it will be interesting to see how things play out.