Tampa Bay Buccaneers Release Super Bowl Champion Edge Rusher

The Buccaneers are moving on from one of their veteran outside linebackers.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers found themselves in salary cap hell in 2023 due to going all-in during the Tom Brady era in the hopes of bringing the organization its second Lombardi Trophy. That feat was accomplished and since then, the Buccaneers have had to run a close numbers game to try and just get by.

They were able to do that in 2023 while managing to make the playoffs and even win a playoff game. Now that they are somewhat out of the salary cap situation that they were in, the Bucs' organization still needs to make moves in order to sure up some extra finances in the hopes of being able to meet agreements with some key free agents.

Top Edge Rusher Options for the Buccaneers in First Round of 2024 NFL Draft

One of those moves came early Tuesday morning as Adam Schefter reported that the Buccaneers were releasing two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl Champion OLB Shaquil Barrett.

Buccaneers are releasing two-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett, per sources.

Barrett had a $15.04 million option bonus due next month. Instead of collecting it, he now will become a free agent. pic.twitter.com/4We6T0zzXw

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 27, 2024

The move to cut Barrett was not a shocking one by any means. The likely move is that a post-June 1st release of Shaq will cost the Bucs a dead-cap hit of $9.3 million in 2024 and $17.4 million in 2025, however, releasing him post-June 1st will also provide the organization with $5 million in cap relief this upcoming season - ultimately creating a bit more cap space for the Bucs to sign key free agents.

Barrett was pivotal in the Buccaneers' 2020 Super Bowl run and led the league in sacks with 19.5 during his first season with the Bucs in 2019. Over the course of his illustrious nine-year career split between the Broncos and the Bucs, Barrett has compiled 400 total tackles (73 TFL), 59 sacks, 22 forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, and three interceptions (one for a TD).

Barrett has been great since exploding onto the scene in Denver and Tampa Bay, but he is now a veteran who might not have the same burst that he used to especially after having suffered a serious achilles tear just two seasons ago.

Barrett will now become a free agent and there should be plenty of suitors looking for his services. It is also important to note that a return to Tampa Bay is not out of consideration for either side - the right circumstances will just need to play out for it to work between the two sides. 

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