Underrating Shaq?
June 28th, 2020
Ranked.
The reason the Bucs likely have not given NFL sack king Shaq Barrett an extension (so far) very possibly has to do with his paltry production before he came to Tampa.
Shaq was a nice guy off the bench for Denver and perhaps stifled because he was down the totem pole of a loaded defensive roster.
He went from a largely unknown defender into a monster almost overnight, leading the NFL in sacks with 19.5 last season. He had signed a one-year prove-it deal with the Bucs for 2019.
So that may be the reason why Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports has a guy who led the league in sacks in 2019 in the middle of the pack of the NFL’s best edge rushers. Shaq is ranked No. 6 behind T.J. Watt, Myles Garrett, Chandler Jones, Cam Jordan and Joey Bosa.
The difference between those five and Shaq? All were at least starters prior to 2019, and had a bit of a reputation as a sack artist.
Just like the Bucs might be skittish about giving Shaq a multi-year deal, Wilson likely wants to see more from Shaq to make sure he’s not just a one-year wonder.
June 28th, 2020 at 12:10 am
The difference being…
If he is able to put up at least similar numbers this season, his price tag only goes up.
Personally, I think the man is motivated.
Pay him!
June 28th, 2020 at 1:00 am
I’ll take any of those other guys ahead of Barrett anyday.
June 28th, 2020 at 1:33 am
So we have an elite edge we haven’t had an edge this good since Simeon Rice. also don’t forget, Vance Joseph misused him horrifically. Him Bradley Chubb and Von Miller on the same roster. they would drop chubb and von miller into coverage. Also the few times Shaq would see the field he would also be dropped into coverage.
Also Lamarcus what’s your point? we have a really good player lets make the best of it.
June 28th, 2020 at 1:34 am
Also imo Cam Jordan while a really good player is always really overrated year in and year out.
June 28th, 2020 at 1:38 am
The truth is all of those guys have been full time starters. It’s that simple opportunity.
June 28th, 2020 at 1:43 am
I would quote FDR but I would be labeled a Racist
June 28th, 2020 at 1:45 am
Lamarcus Says:
June 28th, 2020 at 1:00 am
I’ll take any of those other guys ahead of Barrett anyday.
You must be talking from a conjugal stance.
June 28th, 2020 at 1:48 am
Sb
From a football standpoint
June 28th, 2020 at 1:59 am
I wouldn’t take Cam Jordan. I have always thought he has been one of the more overrated players in the NFL.
Also Joe didn’t CBS just put out a similar ranking for O linemen. and Marpet and Jensen were on it for top ten.
June 28th, 2020 at 3:15 am
Love Shaq Barrett, but honestly, what Buc fan wouldn’t trade Shaq for Khalil Mack straight up (contract aside).
June 28th, 2020 at 4:32 am
Somebody on this site broke down Shaq’s numbers from his pre-Bucs days, and the sacks per play actually showed good promise, given his part-time status.
Also, out of 32 teams (64 starting edge players), being listed in the top ten is a little better than “middle of the pack!”
June 28th, 2020 at 6:38 am
It is reasonable to not want to jump into a huge deal in a year like this–where there is so much uncertainty. Also, the Bucs are “all in” for this year and they’ve already got their guy in Shaq.
Six months ago I’ve had said sign Shaq up longterm, and draft a QB. The Tom Brady acquisition and COVID19 have changed all of that as any extra money should be to bring in new players that may be needed short-term, especially if the season does go and players will be tested weekly. The Bucs need to be ready with experienced backups.
June 28th, 2020 at 6:47 am
That’s the reason. Bucs hold the cards really. If he performs like he did last year, even close they will pay. But from a business side, it only makes since to “wait and see”. If he doesn’t get anywhere close in sacks as he did last year (which is more probable then not then we get a decent rusher at a way lower price. If he comes within 3-5 sacks of last year then we get great value and will pay him the following season. Win, win for the Bucs.
June 28th, 2020 at 6:50 am
gp Says:
“Pay him!”
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^^^^^This!^^^^^
June 28th, 2020 at 7:34 am
I’m sorry but, name me a “one-year wonder” who got 19.5 sacks. I will acquiesce that 19.5 may be unusually high but “scrubs” don’t happen upon 19.5 sacks.
The talent is there. I fully expect 10+ sacks a year from Shaq barring injury. With those numbers, pay the guy.
June 28th, 2020 at 7:57 am
They can’t afford to pay Shaq 17 or 18 mil then next year Godwin 16 mil. They have to wait an see how Barrett performs this year, sorry.
June 28th, 2020 at 9:31 am
Salary cap uncertainty due to potential significant reduction in gross income for the next year or two is the main reason.
June 28th, 2020 at 10:36 am
Yes Demete they might not be able to afford him next year. Probably have to draft his replacement.
June 28th, 2020 at 11:32 am
TIL that sixth best in the entire NFL makes you “middle of the pack”. There are 64 edge players. He is literally top 10% by this ranking.
June 28th, 2020 at 11:51 am
If he holds out this season (doubtful), his paycheck goes down.
June 28th, 2020 at 12:30 pm
Barrett will not hold out for the season unless he is a complete headcase—which does not seem likely. That limits his total career earnings. If his agent has not explained that reality to him, he is negligent.
June 28th, 2020 at 1:05 pm
I dont believe he’ll be only, a one year wonder. I believe he’s a product of Bowled system. With that said, I also believe he’s bound to do it again, because the whole front seven is back, therefore he’ll feed. Look out!
June 28th, 2020 at 1:06 pm
Barrett has said repeatedly that he likes it here and would like to make this his home. His current status is “hired hand” with a one year ‘contract’.
Give him a place at the table(multi year contract) and we will benefit from his “heart” while defending his home and family(team).
PAY THE MAN!
June 28th, 2020 at 1:06 pm
Tod Bowles system….meant to say
June 28th, 2020 at 2:15 pm
Geez, I thought that Ira (still love your writing man) putting DeAndre freaking Hopkins over Mike was a bad call, but this list is downright laughable. Ryan Wilson is either an idiot or a HUGE Steelers fan. There isn’t a universe in existence where T.J. Watt is the best pass rusher on that list. Time to ignore another dumba$$ national writer.
June 28th, 2020 at 2:50 pm
Two years at 13 mil per is not much of a cap hit. It could be a win-win, Shaq feeling wanted and having the warm fuzzies; the Bucs getting out of it cheaper than the cost of the tag.
June 28th, 2020 at 4:16 pm
don’t understand the JJ Watt deal…he is there because of his brother…he is not his brother that is for sure.
June 28th, 2020 at 5:29 pm
Guy “wants” to be here. CHECK!
Guy performed beyond expectations. CHECK!
Guy could be a”cornerstone DE” for the next 5 years. CHECK!
Should we expect 19.5 sacks? DID we expect 19.5 sacks?!
Let me reiterate: Name ONE “one-year wonder” (barring injury, of course!) who registered 19.5 sacks in a single season.
Don’t waste your time. There are NONE!
As to the money, there will be some cap space available next year. We have some players that will be retiring etc. The Bucs MUST find a way to get this guy signed. If not this season, next.
June 28th, 2020 at 7:29 pm
Allbuccedup Says:
“They can’t afford to pay Shaq 17 or 18 mil then next year Godwin 16 mil. They have to wait an see how Barrett performs this year, sorry.”
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I think, given the salary cap uncertainty, they could write a contract which gives a baseline with a clause addressing changes in salary cap (due to sickness). Raise or lower from the baseline according to the % change in salary cap. Or maybe not, but it sounds logical!
Off topic, I still think you have the best username here.
June 29th, 2020 at 3:38 pm
I have no qualms with those rankings… other than maybe Bosa, though he’s been pretty dominant since he got going.