Potential options for Miami to fill defensive hole

Four months after signing with the Miami Dolphins, Pro Bowl pass rusher Shaquil Barrett has called time on his career, announcing via social media Saturday that he is retiring from the NFL at age 31 after nine seasons.

“It’s time for me to hang it up. It’s been a great ride and I appreciate everything that’s come with it over the years,” Barrett wrote on Instagram. “I’m ready to focus entirely on my wife and kids… (I know) this will come as a surprise to some, but I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and the decision has never been clearer (than) now.”

Barrett had been tipped for a potentially significant role in the Dolphins’ defense, with top pass rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips both recovering from serious injuries and opening training camp on the physically unfit to perform (PUP) list. Barrett originally joined Miami in March, just days after being released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a cost-cutting move.

Undrafted in 2014, Barrett retired after an accomplished underdog career that began with the Denver Broncos. His 5.5 sacks and four forced fumbles helped Denver’s defense win a Super Bowl title in just his second season, and he went on to headline the Buccaneers’ pass rush, leading the NFL with 19.5 sacks and a career-high six forced fumbles in a breakout 2019. Barrett won a second Lombardi Trophy with Tampa Bay the following year and retired with 59 career sacks.

Who will Miami turn to, with Barrett out of the game and an edge rusher still a primary need? Here are three potential targets:

That would require clearing some relatively large financial hurdles, given that Judon is seeking a raise and the Dolphins aren’t overflowing with cap space. The Patriots’ rivals would likely be hesitant to trade the Pro Bowler within the division, too. Still, intra-division trades aren’t out of the question, and New England could instead take a draft pick for the rebuilding 31-year-old. Two years removed from a 15.5-sack season, Judon would instantly lend credibility to a competitive defense.

A pass-rushing mercenary, Ngakoue has played for six teams over the past four years. He may have lacked energy in 2023, with just four sacks in 13 games, a career-low, but he has plenty of experience (115 starts) and is just a few years removed from a double-digit sack campaign. After starting his NFL career in Florida, he could be ready to return, even on an affordable free-agent deal.

If the Dolphins want to go down a different Barrett route, Lawson is the perfect fit as a former standout starter recently beset by injuries. Limited to six games in 2023 but once touted as a rising star on the Cincinnati Bengals’ frontcourt, he has experience as a stand-up rusher and could benefit from a rotation with Miami’s other reserves. He’d also likely be cheap on a one-year deal to prove himself.