Denver Broncos: John Elway should be applauded for finding Shaq Barrett

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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 12: Running back Dion Lewis #33 of the New England Patriots avoids a tackle attempt by outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett #48 of the Denver Broncos returns a kickoff for a first quarter touchdown against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 12, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

Shaq gets his chance to shine

He then proceeded to play the next four seasons on the Denver Broncos active roster playing in 61 games and making 15 starts. As far as his statistical production (137 tackles, 14 sacks, 7 forced fumbles), it was solid, yet unspectacular in his limited playing time despite playing opposite of DeMarcus Ware, Von Miller, Shane Ray, and Bradley Chubb, all first-round picks and stud rushers (save for Ray).

You may be thinking, well, he was just stuck behind these guys so he couldn’t get a chance. Yes, that is true, but EVERY SINGLE TEAM again had the opportunity to sign Barrett last offseason when the Denver Broncos placed a second-round tender on him. And like the last two times before, nobody bothered.

Heading into this offseason, it was almost a foregone conclusion that Barrett’s time would end in Denver considering they have one of the best edge rushers to ever play the game and a one-year removed top-5 pick at the other edge spot in Chubb. Even then, the Broncos would have loved to bring him back, but the guy (rightfully so) wanted a full-time starting role.

Now, at this point, the guy wants to be a starter. Are you (not are you now) choosing to pick Shaq Barrett over Miller or Chubb? No. Emphatically no. Zero chance.

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