Since announcing his retirement from the NFL this July, two-time Pro Bowler Shaquil Barrett is gearing up for a surprise U-turn on his decision. After applying for immediate reinstatement, per his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey. It seems Barrett couldn’t stay away from the gridiron for long as the 32-year-old wants a shot back into the NFL.

Although the Dolphins hold his contractual rights as part of a free-agent deal, he signed back in March. Shaquil Barrett’s eyes could be elsewhere, as per the hints dropped by his wife, Jordanna Barrett. This comes on the back of an Instagram story of Barrett’s reinstatement that Jordanna shared today with the caption, “Here we go.” Well, seeing Barrett’s wife sharing an update on the linebacker’s probable return to the NFL. One of the fans decided to DM her by replying to the story and writing, ‘Philly!’ 

While fans don’t really get a lot of responses to their messages. This fan ended up receiving a like on the DM, thereby starting the rumors of “SHAQ BARRET PHILLY BOUND!?” Considering the association he has with the Phins, Barrett’s move to Philadelphia could seem unlikely. But if they do get their hands on Barrett, it would be a huge boost in their Super Bowl ambitions.

The Eagles are already firmly in control of their division with a record of 9-2 after 11 games this season. With only a handful of games remaining, the Eagles repeating their collapse from last season looks out of the picture. Shaq’s record in the NFL cannot be overlooked.

Since being drafted by the Broncos in 2014, the outside linebacker has recorded 59 sacks in the regular season. Well, those outputs are needed more in Miami. Them adding back Barrett into the roster could help the Phins build upon their 3-game winning streak going into next week.

Shaq Barrett’s probable return to Miami or Tampa Bay

When Barrett decided to hang up his cleats mid-season, the Dolphins had to bring back Emmanuel Ogbah into the roster. After cutting him from their final 53-man roster, citing cap space. Ogbah has gone on to start 10 games while producing 3.5 sacks. Their rookie pass rusher, Chop Robinson, has also chimed in with 3.5 sacks in his debut campaign. They also brought in Tyus Bowser and Quinton Bell to strengthen their D-line this season.

So, Barrett joining them back could be huge in the Dolphins’ late playoff push. But hold on to your thoughts if you remember Barrett’s interview in August. Appearing on the Up & Adams show, Shaq was asked whether he would ever like to return. And the two-time Super Bowl Champion gave a candid reply, “I’m not returning anywhere. I’m happily retired. But if something was going to happen.” 

Barrett couldn’t help but consider a sensational return to Tampa Bay, “I won’t do it for any other scenario or any other team. I have a lot of history down there. All that stuff with my daughter and how they came through for my family…I’d take pay cuts for Tampa. I’d do anything for Tampa for the way they showed up for my family…It meant so much for me.” As for Barrett, he could be referring to last year’s drowning incident surrounding his family. When his 2-year-old daughter, Arrayah, passing away unexpectedly, thereby changing Shaq’s life forever.

Well, now it looks like three teams are considering Barrett’s next chapter in the NFL. Although nothing has been confirmed yet, Barrett could soon find himself on the gridiron after a five-month absence.