Shaquille

Leonard

Leonard hasn’t played a regular season snap since 2023 with the Eagles. He spent almost his entire NFL career with the Colts as a good run stopper and a solid coverage linebacker. His best season came during his 2018 rookie year when Leonard racked up 111 solo tackles and seven sacks. He finished his pro career with 16 sacks thanks to a series of devastating lower-body injuries.

Leonard visited with the Eagles and Cowboys after the Colts released him two weeks ago. The veteran linebacker will provide added help to an Eagles defense that was gouged for 456 yards (8.0 yards per play) in Week 13’s loss to the 49ers. Leonard totaled 65 tackles and two TFLs in nine games with the Colts, but looks like a shell of his former self. A back injury suffered in 2021 has slowed the former All-Pro, who will look to bounce back with the Eagles for the remainder of the season.

The Cowboys and divisional rival Eagles both hosted Leonard for visits this week. He was surprisingly released by the Colts earlier this season, dealing with a string of injuries that have hampered his availability. Now visiting two NFC contending teams in need of a linebacker, Leonard will make a signing decision over the weekend and presumably join his new team prior to Week 14.

Leonard reportedly had another visit lined up with the Eagles prior to heading to Dallas, so this isn’t a surprise. It’s still possible that the veteran could reach an agreement with the Cowboys, but he appears to be in no rush to sign on the dotted lined. While the 28-year-old linebacker still appears to be working his way back from injury, he played on 70 percent of the Colts’ defensive snaps this season and totaled 65 tackles and two TFLs, so he will be a solid addition for whoever signs him.

Leonard was shockingly released by the Colts after dealing with various injuries this season. The three-time All Pro linebacker would be a significant addition to an already-stout Dallas front seven and an Eagles defense that ranks as Pro Football Focus’ fifth best pass rush. Leonard, 28, had 65 tackles in nine starts before being released by the Colts this month.

Leonard was rumored to be on Dallas’ radar after it was announced he would be released by the Colts. The 28-year-old linebacker played on 70 percent of the Colts’ defensive snaps this season, and totaled 65 tackles and two TFLs. Leonard has started all nine games he’s appeared in and will bring an All-Pro pedigree to whatever team signs him. The Cowboys boast one of the top defensive units in the league, ranking fourth in points allowed per game (16.8) and third in yards allowed per game (276.3), but have been without Leighton Vander Esch since October. Leonard should help fill that void while providing another veteran presence to a defense full of experience.

Leonard has been connected to Dallas and Philly since his release from Indy. The All-Pro linebacker is expected to sign with a contender now that he’s cleared waivers. Leonard struggled to stay healthy with the Colts, missing 15 games to injuries the last two seasons, and was limited to a 70% snap rate in nine games this year.

Leonard cleared waivers today, making him an unrestricted free agent. The Colts shockingly cut their three-time All-Pro linebacker earlier this week. Leonard’s play had dipped in recent years, but that had also coincided with an inability to stay healthy. A rebuilding franchise, the Colts were clearly ready to part ways, clearing cap space and giving Leonard a fresh start in the process. He is an obvious target for contending teams like the Eagles and Cowboys. Leonard won’t be a free agent for long.

In a shocking move, the Colts are sending former All-Pro Leonard to waivers after recording 65 total tackles in nine starts this season. Leonard had dealt with injuries all of 2023 and looked to re-emerge this season. He played only 70% of the snaps this season after playing 96.7% in his first four seasons. At this point no one knows for sure what happened, but Leonard should definitely have suitors if he makes it through waivers.

Leonard missed Week 5 with the issue but is back in action versus the Jags. EDGE Kwity Paye, who was dealing with a concussion, was also cleared from the injury report.