Two of the NFC’s top heavyweights are reportedly interested in former Indianapolis Colts All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard.
On Tuesday, the Colts stunned the NFL world by releasing Leonard from his contract. Though the 2018 Defensive Rookie of the Year wasn’t playing up to his usual standards, the 5-5 Colts remain in the playoff race and certainly could have used his experience for their postseason push.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Leonard cleared waivers and officially entered free agent. Schefter added that the NFL-best Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys are “expected to have some level of interest” in the 28-year-old.
Leonard will presumably want to join a contender, and both the Eagles (9-1) and Cowboys (7-3) check that box. While Philly boasts one of the league’s best linebacker units, the Cowboys could offer Leonard a starting role with veteran standout Leighton Vander Esch (neck) done for the season.
A second-round pick out of South Carolina State in 2018, Leonard won 2018 Defensive Rookie of the Year honors after helping the Colts to a surprise postseason appearance. Leonard led the NFL with 163 tackles that year, to go along with two interceptions, eight pass defenses, four forced fumbles and seven sacks.
Leonard missed all but three games in 2022 recovering from back surgery, but he is just two years removed from his last Pro Bowl and All-Pro season. There should definitely be plenty of interest in the do-it-all workhorse linebacker.
