The Miami Dolphins have opted not to sign Shaq Barrett from their reserve/retired list, putting a heartbreaking end to his plans to return to the NFL this season.
Barrett hung up his cleats for the offseason, citing a desire to spend more time with his family in the wake of the tragic death of his daughter Arrayah in an accidental drowning.
This week, Barrett announced his intention to return to football, but Miami halted those plans before the 4 p.m. deadline today, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
A tweet said: “The Dolphins have elected not to take pass rusher Shaq Barrett off the reserve/retired list, meaning he will not play for Miami this season.
“Miami also has no intention of releasing him and allowing him to play for another team while the playoffs are still in progress.”
The decision leaves the pass rusher stuck in the wilderness until at least next season, with Miami retaining his contractual rights.
Shaq Barrett attempted to return to the NFL, but the Dolphins halted his plans
Barrett has had a difficult time personally, with his daughter Arrayah drowning in 2023
Barrett was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in February, shortly before signing with the Dolphins and subsequently retiring, missing out on a $15.04 million option bonus he was due in March.
Barrett is best known for winning two Super Bowls, one each during his time with the Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Barrett and his wife Jordanna have since celebrated the birth of another baby girl, with Allanah born nine months after the tragic death of their fourth child.
The couple also has sons Braylon, 10, and Shaquil Jr., 11, as well as daughter Aaliyah, 8.
Earlier this month, Jordanna announced on Instagram that she was pregnant with another child, a girl, as she mentioned ‘our final chapter’.
Both Super Bowls Barrett won came with one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time winning a ring with a new team in the twilight of their careers: Peyton Manning in 2016 and Tom Brady in 2021.
Last season, Barrett played 15 of a possible 17 games, starting with the games he played in.