**BREAKING: Miami Dolphins OLB Shaq Barrett Abruptly Retires from NFL Just Days Before Training Camp**
In a surprising move, Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Shaq Barrett announced his retirement from the NFL via Instagram on Saturday, just days before the start of training camp.
Barrett, who signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Dolphins this offseason, leaves a significant gap in Miami’s defense at outside linebacker. This is especially concerning as both Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips are on the physically unable to perform list due to season-ending injuries from last year.
“It’s time for me to hang it up. It’s been a great ride and I appreciate everything that came with it over the years. I’m ready to shift my full focus to my wife and kids and helping them to realize their dreams and catch them. Anyone who caught their dreams before knows the work, time, and consistency required to reach them. I’m ready to start building those skills up in my kids, which will take 100% commitment. I know to some it’ll be a surprise, but I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and the decision has never been clearer than it is now.”
The Dolphins drafted two accomplished pass rushers in the 2024 NFL Draft: Chop Robinson from Penn State and Mo Kamara from Colorado State. With Barrett’s abrupt retirement, the development of these rookies will be even more crucial.
