Two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Shaq Barrett, who announced his retirement from the NFL in July, has applied for immediate reinstatement, agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Tuesday.

The Miami Dolphins currently hold Barrett's contractual rights.

In July, Barrett announced his retirement saying he was "ready to shift my full focus to my wife and kids and helping them realize [their] dreams."

Barrett had signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins in March after being released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a cost-cutting move.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Tuesday he was caught by surprise when he learned of Barrett's desire to return this season, and was not prepared to comment on what the team will do with Barrett. McDaniel said he had not remained in communication with Barrett since he retired the day before the Dolphins opened training camp in July.

"The team is counting on me to think about the Packers," McDaniel said. "I'll get with [general manager] Chris [Grier], and we'll work through that. There's a ton of implications that go along with it in terms of team and roster stuff, so we'll work through that as we just got the news today."

Barrett, 32, spent five seasons in Tampa, including the 2020 campaign that resulted in a Super Bowl title with quarterback Tom Brady at the helm.

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