Buccaneers pass rusher Shaq Barrett signed the franchise tag Wednesday, the team announced. Barrett did not get the long-term extension he wanted but still hopes to remain in Tampa long term.
That’s what he said Tuesday and his agent repeated Wednesday after the deadline for a long-term deal passed.
“There will not be a long-term deal at this time but optimistic about Shaq’s future in Tampa long term,” Drew Rosenhaus, Barrett’s agent, said.
Barrett has filed a grievance, arguing he’s a defensive end rather than a linebacker. The franchise tag for linebackers is $15.828 million but $17.788 million for defensive ends.
Barrett led the league with 19.5 sacks last season, his first year as a full-time starter.