Eagles reportedly showed interest in signing 2-time Pro Bowl LB to fill in for injured edge rushers

The Eagles had been searching for an edge rusher after the team saw defensive ends Brandon Graham and Bryce Huff suffer injures that landed them on injured reserve. The Eagles eventually signed defensive end Charles Harris, but they did have an eye on a two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher.

Linebacker Shaquil Barrett signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week after the Miami Dolphins waived him from their Reserve/Retired list, allowing him to become a free agent. Barrett retired before playing a snap with the Dolphins, but the team honored his request to find a new opportunity.

As a late-season free agent, Barrett considered his options before rejoining the Buccaneers—the team he first signed with in 2019 and played five seasons for. According to Pewter Report, the Eagles and the Detroit Lions were the two teams interested in signing Barrett. He ultimately decided to return to Tampa Bay, citing his familiarity with the players and the systems as important factors.

“I knew I wanted to come back maybe two or three weeks ago,” Barrett said, via Pewter Report. “I just knew there were three teams interested in me. I think the Bucs came late along the line, but initially, there were two teams interested in me. I heard the Bucs were interested, so I thought if I could go back there, that would be the ideal situation.”

Barrett added that signing with the Buccaneers was not a one-game decision, stating he has plans to continue playing beyond this season.

“I’m planning on not playing forever, but at least another two to three years,” Barrett said.

Barrett has 59 career sacks in nine seasons, and in 2023, Barrett has 4.5 sacks and nine quarterback hits. Huff did return agains the Cowboys after recovering from wrist surgery to repair a torn ligament. As for Harris, the Eagles waived him last Saturday before their game against the Dallas Cowboys after he did not record a sack or tackle in three games. The Eagles did add him to their practice squad Tuesday.

The Eagles’ inquiry about Barrett’s availability does not rule out the possibility of pursuing him again this offseason, depending on how they address the position, with Graham and defensive end Josh Sweat set to become free agents.

Graham recorded 3.5 sacks before tearing his triceps against the Los Angeles Rams, which landed him on injured reserve. The 15-year veteran has an outside chance of returning for the Super Bowl, should the Eagles advance that far in the playoffs. Sweat, who leads the team with eight sacks, has performed well this season and could attract interest from other teams if he and the Eagles do not reach an extension before free agency begins.