(via Tampa Bay Buccaneers Communications) - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced today that the team has applied its franchise tag to linebackerShaquil Barrett.
Barrett (6-2, 250) earned Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors in his first season with Tampa Bay in 2019, after being signed as a free agent in the 2019 offseason. The six-year veteran led the league with 19.5 sacks, breaking the single-season franchise record that was previously held by Warren Sapp (16.5 in 2000).
The 19.5 sacks are the most in a season by any undrafted player since sacks became an official statistic in 1982. Barrett finished the 2019 season with 58 tackles (19 for loss), 37 quarterback hits, 19.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, two passes defensed and one interception.
In 77 games over six seasons, including 31 starts, Barrett has racked up 192 tackles, 33.5 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, nine passes defensed, three fumble recoveries and one interception. He spent his first five seasons with the Denver Broncos after originally entering the league as a college free agent in 2014.
A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Barrett played collegiately at Colorado State.
Tampa Bay Times Buccaneers insider Rick Stroud reported first earlier this morning that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be placing the franchise tag on LB Shaquil Barrett.
Barrett signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Bucs last season.
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