The Indianapolis Colts are the hottest team in the NFL heading into Week 8. After earning a hard-fought 38-24 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 7, the Colts now stand alone as the team with the best record in the NFL at 6-1, as they have made it abundantly clear their hot start is not a flash in the pan.
While Indy is rolling right now, it still has a lot of work to do, as there are still 10 regular-season games left to play. The good news is that the team isn’t resting on its laurels, and that was on full display on Tuesday when the front office brought in several linebackers for a workout. Among that group was two-time Super Bowl champion Shaquil Barrett.
Colts Bring in Shaquil Barrett for Free Agent Workout
The Colts’ sudden emergence as the top team in the league has been the most surprising storyline through the first seven weeks of the new season. With Daniel Jones taking over at quarterback, Indianapolis has featured one of the most prolific offenses in the history of the NFL. On defense, Indy has preyed on their offense’s ability to force their opponent to play from behind. Put it all together, and you have a dominant all-around squad.
No team is perfect, though, and that includes the Colts. Injuries are beginning to pile up on the defensive side of the ball, with the front seven looking a bit lighter as of late. Jaylon Carlies and Jacob Phillips are both on injured reserve, and Samson Ebukam and Tyquan Lewis are both banged up heading into Week 8.
That led to Indianapolis bringing in Barrett for a free agent workout. After retiring, then unretiring, last season, Barrett ended up playing in just one regular-season game for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has since remained a free agent, and he seems intent on continuing his playing career. With the Colts needing some help up front on defense, they decided to bring the two-time Pro Bowler to town for a workout to see what he’s got left in the tank.
“The Colts worked out several pass rushers today, including former Bucs OLB Shaq Barrett,” Ari Meirov of “The 33rd Team” shared in a post on X.
Should the Colts Sign Shaquil Barrett?
GettyTampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett.
During his prime, Barrett was one of the most dominant pass rush specialists in the game. In 2019, Barrett led the league with 19.5 sacks, helping him earn his first Pro Bowl selection and a spot on the All-Pro Second Team. At 33 years old, he isn’t the same player he once was, but Barrett could come in and help Indianapolis out in obvious passing situations.
How productive Barrett could be ultimately remains to be seen after he missed virtually the entire 2024 campaign, but if his workout went well, and the price is right, he could be worth taking a flier on. As of right now, no deal has been announced, but it will be worth keeping tabs on Barrett’s status over the next few days to see if he ends up signing a deal with Indy.
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