Shaquil Barrett’s NFL journey just took an unexpected turn. But it seems as if his heart always stayed in Tampa. The former Pro Bowl linebacker is now reuniting with his old team, and his wife, Jordanna, simply couldn’t hide her joy.

Jordanna’s Instagram post summed it up perfectly: “Back to the best team ❤️.” Simple yet powerful, this message captures the essence of Shaq’s return, a move steeped in both personal significance and professional ambition. The news broke on Friday that Barrett, who had announced his retirement just months ago, was rejoining the Bucs. Barrett had left Tampa for a one-year $9 million deal with the Dolphins but retired before playing a single snap. Now, his return fills an urgent need for the Bucs, whose playoff hopes are still alive but tenuous.

Barrett’s connection to the Buccaneers is deeper than football. During his interview with Kay Adams on Up & Adams earlier this year, he spoke about Tampa’s unwavering support during his family’s tragedy. His daughter Arrayah tragically passed away in 2023, and the Bucs stood by his side. “I won’t do it for any other scenario or any other team or anything like that,” Barrett shared. “All that stuff that happened with my daughter and stuff, how they came through for the family… It just meant so much to me. Tampa got a special place in my heart.”

Despite emotional struggles, Barrett played through the 2023 season, recording 4.5 sacks and 52 combined tackles. His passion for the game and love for Tampa make it seem as if this reunion was inevitable. Now, Barrett’s return couldn’t have come at a better time with Tampa struggling for consistent pass-rush production.

His return also raises questions about his brief stint with Miami. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel admitted the move caught him off guard. “I was fully caught off guard or caught by surprise this morning as I found out,” McDaniel said. “But there’s a ton of implications that go through that with team and roster stuff. So we’ll work through that as we just got the news today.” For Barrett, the decision seems straightforward: home is where the heart is, and for him, that’s Tampa.

A wish for a reunion with Baker Mayfield?

Baker Mayfield could also benefit from the veteran linebacker’s return. Mayfield has been putting up strong numbers this season. He ranks fourth in passing yards (3,920) and third in touchdowns (34). However, he has also faced 15 interceptions, proving the importance of defensive stops to secure wins. Barrett’s experience and familiarity with the team could provide crucial leadership as they push for a playoff spot, for which they stand a thin chance. The Buccaneers desperately needed help in their pass rush at this point. And Barrett brings just that.

Since his departure, Tampa’s outside linebackers have struggled significantly. The plight is such that Anthony Nelson is leading the group with just three sacks. Barrett, who led the league with 19.5 sacks in 2019, knows how to get to the quarterback. And his history with the Bucs speaks volumes. Over five seasons, Shaquil Barrett recorded 45 sacks and 249 tackles. To top that off with 15 forced fumbles. He was also instrumental in their 2020 Super Bowl run. He dominated opponents under Todd Bowles’s defensive scheme.

Barrett’s ability to rally teammates and perform under pressure could be the spark the Bucs need. With two games left, Tampa must win out and hope the Falcons stumble to secure a playoff spot. This reunion also brings closure to a tumultuous chapter for Barrett.

His pick-six in Week 2 of 2023, dedicated to Arrayah, remains one of Tampa’s most emotional moments. “I always played for my family,” Shaquil Barrett said then, and now he’s back to finish where he blossomed. Barrett’s return feels like destiny, one that could define the Bucs’ season and bring his story full circle.