Miami Dolphins waive linebacker Shaquil Barrett after his brief retirement, leaving him eligible to be claimed by another team.

Why it matters: The Dolphins decision to waive Barrett has implications for their pass rush and playoff hopes.

What's new: Despite signing a one-year, $7 million contract with the Dolphins in the offseason, Barrett retired before training camp. He later filed for reinstatement but was not activated by the team.

Yes, but: The Dolphins cited roster constraints and the performance of other players as factors in their decision.

• Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel referred to it as "a numbers game" and acknowledged that the timing was not ideal.
• Barrett's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, expressed gratitude to the Dolphins for the opportunity and hopes that Barrett will clear waivers and continue playing this season.

What to watch: The fate of Barrett as he waits to see if he clears waivers or gets claimed by another team.

• If claimed, Barrett would be ineligible to play for the remainder of the season.
• Rookie Chop Robinson has performed well in Barrett's absence, nearing Jaelan Phillips rookie franchise record for sacks.

What's next: The Dolphins also decided not to activate Bradley Chubb from the physically unable to perform list, keeping him on the reserve list for the rest of the season.

By the numbers: The Dolphins playoff hopes could be jeopardized with a loss or if the Denver Broncos win.

The bottom line: The release of Barrett adds uncertainty to the Dolphins' pass rush and further complicates their push for a playoff spot.

Miami Dolphins waive linebacker Shaquil Barrett after his brief retirement, leaving him eligible to be claimed by another team.

Why it matters: The Dolphins decision to waive Barrett has implications for their pass rush and playoff hopes.

What's new: Despite signing a one-year, $7 million contract with the Dolphins in the offseason, Barrett retired before training camp. He later filed for reinstatement but was not activated by the team.

Yes, but: The Dolphins cited roster constraints and the performance of other players as factors in their decision.

• Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel referred to it as "a numbers game" and acknowledged that the timing was not ideal.
• Barrett's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, expressed gratitude to the Dolphins for the opportunity and hopes that Barrett will clear waivers and continue playing this season.

What to watch: The fate of Barrett as he waits to see if he clears waivers or gets claimed by another team.

• If claimed, Barrett would be ineligible to play for the remainder of the season.
• Rookie Chop Robinson has performed well in Barrett's absence, nearing Jaelan Phillips rookie franchise record for sacks.

What's next: The Dolphins also decided not to activate Bradley Chubb from the physically unable to perform list, keeping him on the reserve list for the rest of the season.

By the numbers: The Dolphins playoff hopes could be jeopardized with a loss or if the Denver Broncos win.

The bottom line: The release of Barrett adds uncertainty to the Dolphins' pass rush and further complicates their push for a playoff spot.