Two years ago, wide receiver Tyreek Hill made the decision to join the Dolphins instead of the Jets. Now, pass rusher Shaquil Barrett has followed suit. In an interview with Zach Gelb on CBS Sports Radio, Barrett disclosed that he was in negotiations with the Jets before the Dolphins swooped in and finalized the deal.
Barrett explained, “My agent and I were exploring the option of me joining New York, and it appeared to be leaning towards New York until… the day I committed to terms with the Dolphins. They unexpectedly entered the picture.”
While Barrett was initially intrigued by the idea of joining the Jets, he ultimately favored the Dolphins due to their established team status and proven track record. He also cited the presence of talented players in his position group as a motivating factor. Additionally, the absence of state tax in Florida was a welcome bonus.
For Barrett, playing in Miami allows his family to remain close to Tampa, where he played from 2019 to 2023.
Following his release by the Bucs on March 13, Barrett signed a one-year contract with the Dolphins. The 31-year-old impressed with 19.5 sacks in his inaugural season with the Bucs and has the potential to make history by winning a Super Bowl with three different teams.
However, the Dolphins must first progress beyond the initial playoff rounds. The acquisition of Barrett is part of their strategy to achieve this objective.
