Dolphins player Shaquil Barrett announces retirement from NFL

The Dolphins lost one of their best edge rushers before he even touched the field with the team.

Outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett is retiring from the NFL, the 31-year-old announced in a lengthy post on his Instagram.

In March, Barrett signed a one-year, $9 million contract with the Dolphins after spending the last five years with the Buccaneers.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Barrett informed the Dolphins of his decision, which stemmed from his desire to spend more time with his family.

Barrett, who has four children, welcomed a baby girl with his wife, Jordanna, earlier this year, less than 12 months after the couple’s then 2-year-old daughter Arrayah died in a tragic drowning incident.

“It’s time for me to hang up my boots. It’s been a great ride and I appreciate everything that’s come my way over the years,” Barrett said in his message. “I’m ready to focus entirely on my wife and kids and helping them realize their dreams and make them come true. Anyone who’s ever made their dreams come true knows the work, time and consistency it takes to achieve them.”

He added that while the decision might come as a shock to some people, he had been thinking about it for “some time.”

“I’m ready to start developing these skills in my children, which will take 100 percent commitment,” Barrett said.

The news is a blow to Miami, which already lost linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel to free agency while Bradley Chubb (torn ACL) and Jaelan Phillips (torn Achilles) both began training camp on the PUP list while they recover from their respective injuries suffered during the 2023 season.

Barrett began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the Broncos, spending four years in Denver before a breakout 2019 in Miami in which he recorded an NFL-best 19.5 sacks.

In nine seasons, he recorded 59 sacks and 400 tackles.