The Colts hosted veteran edge rusher Shaquil Barrett for a workout on Tuesday, per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson.
Barrett signed with the Dolphins during the 2024 offseason but abruptly retired in July. He changed his mind later in the year and eventually convinced Miami to let him depart for his longtime team, the Buccaneers. However, the 10-year veteran only played 17 snaps across Tampa Bay’s Week 18 and wild card matchups.
Barrett’s agent said in April that “he’s definitely going to play this year,” but the two-time Pro Bowler has received no reported interest until now.
The Colts have been in the market for defensive reinforcements, specifically at edge rusher and cornerback. Barrett does not profile as a high-impact addition – his 7.5 sacks in 2023 and 2024 were his lowest two-year total since the 2017 and 2018 seasons – but the 32-year-old has long a strong understanding of how to rush the passer. If general manager Chris Ballard is targeting a more significant upgrade to his secondary, he may look to piece together some more inexpensive additions off the edge. Barrett would fall into that category.
Five other edge rushers visited Indianapolis for workouts on Tuesday: Deslin Alexandre, Seth Coleman, Jasheen Davis, D.J. Johnson, and Benton Whitley. Johnson was a Panthers third-round pick in 2023 and played 17 games in his first two seasons with minimal production. That continued in his four games this year, leading to his release in September. Whitley appeared in six games for the Giants and the Vikings, primarily playing special teams.