ENGLEWOOD — Shaquil Barrett isn’t a native Coloradan, but call him an honorary son. He’s earned the title.
Barrett, born and raised in Baltimore, spent three seasons at outside linebacker for Colorado State, went undrafted and now enters his fifth season with the Broncos. After 123 tackles, 11 sacks and seven forced fumbles while in a Denver uniform, however, he faces a crossroad.
Barrett is set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season. His performance this year will dictate whether he re-signs with the Broncos or gets offers elsewhere.
If Barrett had it his way?
“The plan is to stay as long as possible,” he told The Denver Post on Tuesday following Day 1 of Broncos’ mandatory minicamp in Dove Valley. “I love it here.”
Now, more than ever, the Broncos love Barrett, too, and more specifically the depth he brings to the linebacking position. News that Shane Ray will have a fourth wrist surgery that is expected to keep him out between two and three months only amplifies Barrett’s role, which is similar to his 2015 Broncos’ debut when Barrett was promoted from the practice squad and asked to fill the shoes of injured edge rusher DeMarcus Ware.
“No, no, it doesn’t change my approach,” Barrett clarified, “because you know you’re always one play away.”
He’s actually rooting for Ray’s quick recovery.
“Shane is an important part of our defense,” Barrett said. “With our defense at full strength, there’s pretty much nobody who can handle us. Having him go down is going to leave a little hole in the defense right now.”
Barrett, 25, remains confident regardless of the competition within his position group. That includes No. 5 overall NFL draft pick Bradley Chubb. “I’m pretty sure he’s worthy of the No. 1 pick,” Barrett said. “We got lucky.”
And, over the course of organized team activities and one minicamp practice, Barrett has showcased versatility that should allow him to be inserted however the Broncos best see fit. Coach Vance Joseph told reporters Tuesday that Barrett has lined up at Sam and Will linebacker — plus as an off-ball linebacker in “dime” packages on passing downs.
“I always approach it the same way and I always know I need to get better,” Barrett said. “Trim my body up a little bit and keep watching film as much as I can. If I just stay dedicated throughout the whole season, no matter how we’re doing as a team, I think I’ll have a pretty good year.”
Added Joseph: “Shaq can be a special player. He’s shown over the years, the more he’s played, the more plays he can make. I’m excited to see Shaq get more opportunities because in my mind, he can be a top-tier rusher in this league.”
In March, the Broncos placed a second-round tender on Barrett which gives him a one-year, $2.91 million contract. Barrett understands the urgency to produce. High expectations are among the top reasons he aims to remain a Bronco for the long haul.
“We don’t accept mediocrity and we always want to contend for a championship,” Barrett said. “I don’t want to be on a team that’s rebuilding or losing. We always fight every year.”
