Larry Foote Intrigued By Shaq Barrett Return
January 3rd, 2025
Assistant coach talks about Shaq Barrett return.
It was Larry Foote’s turn yesterday to play coordinator.
The NFL requires teams’ offensive and defensive coordinators to speak to media weekly. The Bucs don’t have a defensive coordinator because head coach Todd Bowles runs the defense. So each week, Bowles has defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers and inside linebackers coach Foote take turns fielding questions.
Yesterday, Foote had an interesting answer. He was asked why Bucs sacks king Shaq Barrett pulled an Undertaker, rose up and rejoined the Bucs after spending months in retirement.
“When you realize that Monday check isn’t coming in there (laughs), it’s tough, it’s difficult,” Foote joked.
Foote seems to think Shaq is a prideful man and that motivated him to re-sign last week. Coming off an Achilles injury that sidelined him for half the 2022 season, Shaq simply was not himself in 2023. He had 4.5 sacks and just a half-sack in his last seven games.
In March, the Bucs made the very uncomfortable decision to move on.
Foote is confident Shaq wants to redeem his street cred now, when the Bucs’ have must-win games.
“I know he was coming off the Achillies and he just didn’t feel himself,” Foote said. “Once that body starts coming back, you start itching and wanting to play the game.
“You know you’re always going to miss it but when that body starts coming back and you feel good, you’re going to want to get back out there.”
Shaq said yesterday in the Bucs locker room his comeback is no stunt. He’s looking to play at least in 2025 and 2026, and maybe through 2027, as he said he’d like to play “Two or three more years.”
January 3rd, 2025 at 9:12 am
The Bucs could not let him stay on at the 15 million or whatever it was he was making last year, but the same production is worth $2 or 3 million for sure
January 3rd, 2025 at 9:36 am
2 years with a 3rd year option for a total value of 23 million would be an ideal deal for the Shaq man.
January 3rd, 2025 at 10:01 am
Hey Joe, we know from an achilles injury takes usually longer than a year and has ended the career of quite a few good players. So hopefully Shaq has fully recovered and still has some production left at his age. As it stands my guess he is better than what we are currently seeing on the outside rush and doubt he could be any worse. If indeed the Bucs cn get enough production then maybe that will allow them to pursue some others players at LB and secondary , which are also desperately needed. He should be affordable now and obviously wants to play here. He may be a great addition at a good price.
January 3rd, 2025 at 10:41 am
Well successful or not Shaq is a Buc for life . He has bled for the Pewter and red/white . He is very much loved by Bucs fans . I would not be surprised to see him make a huge play in the coming weeks . We know the man could play . I think he very well tell father time “What street lights ? I don’t see any street lights. It not time to come home .
Great news for the Bucs ,terrible news for opponents.
WELCOME BACK SHAQ . WE LOVE YOU .
GO BUCS
January 3rd, 2025 at 10:51 am
We will take whatever we can get out of him. Team friendly deals the next couple of years as a Pass Rush Specialist this could work. Go Bucs!
January 3rd, 2025 at 11:09 am
He’s welcome in my book. I feel like those achilles injuries take a year and a half+ to recover from, I think he’ll definitely be an upgrade for our edge rush, even if he has lost a step.
January 3rd, 2025 at 11:20 am
Probably still faster than Joggin’ Joe Tryon.
January 3rd, 2025 at 11:27 am
Jogging Joe Tryon 🤣🤣🤣
January 3rd, 2025 at 11:50 am
Thanks Shaq we definitely need you!!! Just hoping he at least flashes in big moments this last game and through the playoffs!!! Achilles injury definitely effected his play and style last year!!! C’mon Todd just send him straight at the Quarterback, not ready for coverage!!! Go Bucs!!!i
January 3rd, 2025 at 12:10 pm
Shaq smelling a Super Bowl. I like that even ex-players around the league are buying in! O good vibes go Bucs
January 3rd, 2025 at 12:32 pm
I totally forgot about the injury. He may be healthy now. I wish the best for the guy, for him personally and of course for the Bucs.
January 3rd, 2025 at 12:34 pm
Joggin Joe, lmao. Sounds like something trump would say
January 3rd, 2025 at 1:04 pm
So excited to have Shaq back. Two to three years sounds really good. Larry Foote is onto something too. Shaq is feeling better and ready to be back on the field.
January 3rd, 2025 at 1:58 pm
If he shows something the next 2 games, sign him for 2 years. If nothing else, he’ll be great mentor for YaYa and Braswell
January 3rd, 2025 at 2:16 pm
Good one jmark🤣
January 3rd, 2025 at 2:34 pm
Come on, man. It nice to see y’all keeping Shaq company in the past
January 3rd, 2025 at 2:36 pm
Love the guy. We want him and need him. Make the quarterbacks pay Shaq!
January 3rd, 2025 at 2:46 pm
He might be one of the guys that is awesome for about 4 or 5 games. Perfect time to climb aboard. Go Superbowl bound BUCS
January 3rd, 2025 at 4:24 pm
Shaq is welcome back, hope he is healed. Defensive assistants all need to go.
January 3rd, 2025 at 4:37 pm
@JMarkBuc
We can call him that & Joe Tryon Sho-stinka.
January 3rd, 2025 at 7:01 pm
Someone ask Larry why he’s been in Bowle’s shadow all these years without getting a real D.C. job with another team? If your career goal Larry was to be a co defensive coordinator you’ve succeeded. Makes me wonder why no team around the league has ever called Foote, or Rodgers to lead their defense? After all, they’ve learned at the feet of mastermind defensive guru Todd Bowles all these years?
January 3rd, 2025 at 7:49 pm
He better make the most out of any snaps he gets this week then. He’s a feel good story and I’m rooting for him, but pass rushers rarely make a comeback.
January 3rd, 2025 at 8:13 pm
FTC
A Pro football player who jogs around on D is offensive enough..🫤
January 4th, 2025 at 12:27 pm
I hope SB56 can be a difference maker. Make a couple key plays.