The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense has been a major weak point throughout the 2024 season, hindered by injuries to key players, poor tackling, and a lack of pass-rush intensity. Despite these challenges, the most pressing issue has been the inability to generate a strong pass rush without relying on blitzes. This deficiency has left opposing quarterbacks with ample time to throw, which severely undermines the effectiveness of the pass defense. While the Buccaneers rank 11th in the NFL with 39 sacks, this statistic masks the fact that the team’s primary edge rushers, YaYa Diaby and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, have combined for just 4.5 sacks. The top three sack leaders for Tampa Bay—Calijah Kancey (6.5), Vita Vea (6), and Lavonte David (5.5)—are all interior players, highlighting the lack of production from the outside linebacker and defensive end positions.
The Bucs’ inability to pressure quarterbacks with their base pass rush has been exacerbated by a secondary that has struggled with injuries, leaving the defense vulnerable when additional defenders are sent on blitzes. Recognizing this issue, general manager Jason Licht appears to have found a solution in a familiar face: former Super Bowl-winning edge rusher Shaquil Barrett. According to reports, Barrett, who was recently released by the Miami Dolphins, has cleared waivers and is set to rejoin the Buccaneers. This move comes at a critical time for Tampa Bay, as they must win their final two games to have any chance at making the playoffs.
Barrett is no stranger to success with the Buccaneers. During his five seasons with the team, he recorded 45 sacks, with his most memorable season being 2019, when he posted an impressive 19.5 sacks. Barrett’s performance was instrumental in the Bucs’ defensive success, especially in their Super Bowl-winning season in 2020, where his speed and relentless motor played a significant role in the team’s defensive dominance. Alongside the team’s suffocating defense, Barrett helped Tampa Bay shut down high-powered offenses, including a dominant Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Now, as the Buccaneers aim to secure a playoff spot, the question remains: how much does Barrett have left in the tank? While his exact level of effectiveness is yet to be seen, his experience and previous success with the team could provide a much-needed spark for the pass rush. Given the team’s struggles in generating consistent pressure on quarterbacks, Barrett’s return should offer a potential boost to a defense in desperate need of playmakers. Regardless of how much Barrett can contribute at this stage in his career, his presence could be the catalyst that the Buccaneers need to turn their defensive fortunes around and improve their chances of making a late-season push.
