Saints: Ranking the top pass rushers in the NFC South
By Jake Rajala
Shaq Barrett
In 2018, Shaq Barrett had three sacks for the Denver Broncos. The expectation was that he would rotate and get marginal playing time when he signed with the Buccaneers in the 2019 off-season.
It’s safe to say that Barrett exceeded any expectations with the team as he broke out last year with 19.5 sacks. Barrett went from 3 sacks in 2018 to almost 20 in 2019.
Barrett was snubbed in the defensive MVP race. A great corner named Stephon Gilmore, who played on a supreme team (New England Patriots), won the award over a player that surprised everybody, then some.
The best potential of Barrett is yet to come. Barrett is 27 years, and he’s just found his groove. The first time pro bowler and 2nd team All-Pro Defensive End wants to break the bank with his contract.
The biggest thing going for Barrett is that his team should finally get some national spotlight.
The Buccaneers brought in Brady, Gronkowski, and they are finally built for a Super Bowl run. Outside of more teams being forced to throw the ball more to match the Bucs offense, Barrett proves he’s not a one-year wonder in more prime time games and potentially playoff games.
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Barrett will look to push for 20 sacks next season and haul in the most expensive contract held ever by a defensive end. That’s not a bad sight for a player that never exceeded 5.5 sacks in his five years with the Broncos.