UPDATE:
According to Rick Stroud, the Buccaneers have not told Shaquil Barrett or his agent that they intend to franchise tag him. Stroud says this would only be an option if the two sides are unable to reach an agreement on a new contract.
Adam Schefter is reporting that Tampa Bay is “strongly considering” placing the franchise tag on pass rusher Shaquil Barrett if the two sides can’t agree on a long term deal before the deadline.
The franchise tag would cost the Buccaneers around $17 million fully guaranteed for the 2020 season should they use it on Barrett.
This move also paves the way for QB Jameis Winston to test the free agent market in the coming weeks.
Barrett, 27, signed with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent out of Colorado State in 2014. He was waived coming out of the preseason and re-signed to Denver’s practice squad.
After bouncing back and forth between the practice squad and active roster, Barrett landed on the active roster at the end of his rookie year. Barrett signed with the Buccaneers as an unrestricted free agent in 2019 to a one-year, $4 million deal.
In 2019, Barrett appeared in all 16 games for the Buccaneers and recorded 58 total tackles, 19.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, one interception and two pass defenses. He was rated by Pro Football Focus as the No. 25 edge defender out of 107 qualifying players.
We have him included in our Top 100 – 2020 Free Agents list.
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