Latest news puts Miami Dolphins in a potentially tough spot to start the season

One of the Miami Dolphins' more noteworthy signings this offseason was the free agent signing of edge rusher Shaq Barrett .  Barrett and Miami agreed on a one-year contract worth up to nine million dollars back on March 12.

The signing appeared to be one that was going to help the Dolphins bridge a major gap in their defense, particularly at edge rusher. With both starters in Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips suffering serious late season injuries, Barrett was looked upon as a likely starter for the Dolphins.

It appears that's not going to happen.  According to Adam Schefter, Barrett is retiring from football.

Barrett wanting to spend more time with his family is completely understandable, for a number of reasons.  Barrett has little more to prove in the NFL.  He's a two-time Super Bowl champion, two-time Pro Bowler, and NFL sack king in 2019.  He's done outstanding for himself over a nine-year career.

Barrett and his family also suffered an unimaginable tragedy on April 30, 2023, when his two-year-old daughter Arrayah drowned in the family's swimming pool.  Wanting to spend more time as a closer family unit, also with another child on the way, is certainly understandable.

As for the Dolphins, they will have an answer on one side of the line in first round draft pick Chop Robinson .  With Barrett out of the picture, there isn't much there as far as quality and experience combined to turn to on the roster. Rookie fifth-round pick Mohamed Kamara has some serious potential upside beyond his draft slot.  Cameron Goode, who's recovering from a torn patellar tendon at the end of last season, was placed on the PUP list along with Phillips and Chubb, so his health is a question mark as well.

Accordingly, the Dolphins will likely be taking a very close look at what happens in training camp and in the preseason, where talented players are routinely released.

The Dolphins' training camp begins in full on July 23 when veterans report.

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