Shaquil Barrett put Miami Dolphins in a very bad position

June 4, 2024; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Shaquil Barrett (58) trains during mandatory minicamp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

This past weekend, two-time Super Bowl champion Shaquil Barrett retired from the sport of American football.

Barrett, just 31, won Super Bowl 50 with Peyton Manning’s Denver Broncos and then won Super Bowl LV with Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Last season, Barrett worked his way back from a torn Achilles tendon he suffered midway through 2022. He played 16 games for Tampa Bay last season but was released before he was considered a free agent, signing with the Miami Dolphins as a free agent in March.

But before he even played a single game for the Dolphins, Barrett informed the club that he planned to retire. He wanted to spend more time with his loved ones, Barrett said.

You can’t blame a guy for wanting to spend more time with his family. He’s had an incredible career, playing 10 seasons in the league after going undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft.

But now the two-time Pro Bowler puts the Dolphins in a very difficult position.

Miami entered this offseason with a cash crunch. Dolphins GM Chris Grier did wonders by replacing veteran defensemen like Christian Wilkins, Emmanuel Ogbah and Jerome Baker.

But now one of the replacements has decided to hang up his boots.

Offensively, the Dolphins are in good shape. They’ve added Odell Beckham Jr. to pair with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Veteran linemen Austin Jackson and Terron Armstead will be tasked with keeping Tua Tagovailoa upright so he can get all those playmakers involved. Tagovailoa is still looking for that new contract, and by carrying the Dolphins offensively, he can secure it.

Defensively, things are getting a bit shaky for the Fins. They’ll need Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb to both get back into shape after their respective injuries. After losing Barrett, veteran linebackers Anthony Walker Jr. and Jordyn Brooks will also have to carry their weight.

Experienced defenders Zach Sieler, Neville Gallimore and Calais Campbell will also have to contribute.

It’s not really an abundance of wealth, but rather a collection of experienced resources that hopefully contribute enough to make some stops along the way.

The Dolphins are reportedly set to host Ogbah for a workout on Monday. The 30-year-old could add a needed pass rush to Miami’s rolodex of veterans. After his February release, the Dolphins may have no choice but to return to their old friend.

It will be interesting to see how new Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver can generate pressure and make stops with this veteran collection. Barrett’s retirement certainly won’t make his job any easier.