As Shaquil Barrett raced around the Kansas City Chiefs' hapless offensive tackles during Super Bowl LV, many probably viewed the performance as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' franchise player doing exactly what he's supposed to do.
Two years ago, Barrett wasn't the guy he is now—at least not in league circles. He entered free agency as a lower-tier edge-rusher after primarily serving as a role player with the Denver Broncos.
Coincidentally, he is a free agent again this offseason. He's no longer flying under the radar.
Yet organizations can point to his development into an elite edge-rusher as a justification for investing in bargain free agents instead of making big, splashy signings during the offseason.