Why keeping Shaq Barrett is a must

Shaq Barrett bet big on himself the last offseason signing a one-year deal, and the result led to him breaking Warren Sapp’s Franchise Sack Record, dropping opposing quarterbacks a whopping 19.5 times.

Here we are in the offseason again, and Barrett is slated to become a free agent. With questions looming about the future of players like Winston, Suh, JPP, Nassib, and Barrett, it would be almost difficult to sign all of them and still be able to sign draft picks and bring in new players via free agency.

BARRETT NEEDS TO BE RESIGNED

Many believe that Barrett’s record-setting year was a fluke. Others (including myself) feel that he could continue to make those types of plays. Would he rack up another 19.5 sacks? That’s highly unlikely, but he brings a swagger to the outside linebacker area of the defense, similar to what JPP brings.

Can they afford him, though?

Many believe Barrett could be in the market to make around $18-million per season, and that could potentially be something to make or break negotiations. After looking at everything, we can afford him, and he needs to be back in a Bucs uniform.

Recent rumors have even mentioned Barrett willing to give the Bucs the hometown discount, so they would be foolish to not bring him back.

What if Barrett doesn’t perform like last season?

If I were GM, I would happily resign him. I would structure to be incentive-based, just like his one year. My idea for a contract would be a 3-year $45-million deal with incentives that would get him to the $18-million a year mark.

With that type of contract, I’d make it team-friendly as much as possible for that “what if” moment. Barrett bet on himself last season, now it’s time for the team to bet big on him.

Notes: JPP, Suh, and Nassib could all end up playing for other teams in 2020.