Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians is doing his best to make sure that star linebacker Shaq Barrett will remain a Buccanneers for at least the immediate future.
Following their win over the Detroit Lions, Arians proclaimed that Barrett isn't going anywhere after setting the franchise's single-season sack record (16.5). He is a free agent after the season, but as the coach said, via ESPN, “He ain’t going anywhere.”
Barrett appreciates that commitment.
“I love that he (Arians) said that. I want to be there. That’s my goal,” Barrett said. “It just worked out perfectly for me. I can’t be more blessed. It’s God’s plan. I wouldn’t have been here if it was my plan. I’m just happy the Bucs gave me a chance. I made the most out of that chance. … I’m just happy. I’m grateful and very appreciative.”
After spending the first five seasons of his career as a backup linebacker for the Denver Broncos, the former undrafted pass rusher signed a one-year, $5 million contract with Tampa Bay this past offseason.
This season, the 6-foot-2, 250-pound Barrett has emerged as one of the best defensive players in the league. After recording an incredible nine sacks in the team's first four games this season, his production has slowed down a bit. But, with a league-leading 16.5 sacks through 14 games, Barrett — still just 27-years-old — has proven to be an invaluable piece to the Bucs' puzzle.
Along with his strong sack production, Barrett has compiled 50 tackles, a league-leading six forced fumbles, one interception and 31 quarterback hits.
Despite Barrett's breakout 2019, Tampa Bay ranks 31st in the NFL in points allowed per game with 29.3 and 17th in yards allowed.
With the star linebacker set to hit the market as an unrestricted free agent this offseason, it's safe to say that the Buccaneers will likely have to shell out considerably more money to keep their newfound defensive cornerstone.
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