Linebacker Shaq Barrett has informed the Buccaneers that he intends to sign his franchise tag offer. The one deal year is worth 15.8 million.
Barrett was the steal of the NFL free-agent market in 2018 signing a four million dollar one year contract.
All Barrett did was lead the NFL in sacks last year with 19.5 and is wanting to sign a long term deal to stay in Tampa.
With the salary cap for the 2021 season in flux right now, there has not been a lot of talk between the Bucs and Barrett’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus.
Barrett said he is going to file a grievance with the NFLPA to get his classification changed from linebacker to defensive end.
If he is successful at getting this classification changed, that would mean a difference of two million dollars in Barrett’s favor as a starting point for a long term deal.
Barrett is currently a linebacker in the Bucs 3-4 defensive alignment.
Shaq Barrett courtesy of Flipboard
Barrett was rated the number 25 edge rusher in 2019 out of 107 players according to Pro Football Focus.
Speaking with NFL Radio on Sirius XM, Barrett expressed some frustration with the way negotiations have been going.
“It is a little frustrating because I did do everything I could do and I tried to make it as easy as possible, so there wasn’t nothing up in the air. But I guess that I didn’t do as much as I needed to do, or as much as I thought I needed to do, so I don’t mind having my back against the wall, but I do love security a lot more.”
Barrett is committed to being an impact player in 2020 and helping the Bucs however he can.
“I just want, as a team, to help my team win a game, make a play every game, help the team win, make the playoffs.”
Barrett must sign the tender by July 15th at 4 PM.
Training camp is scheduled to open on July 28th.
