Why, upon the Colts’ release, Shaquille Leonard signed with the Eagles rather than the Cowboys
Although the Eagles’ 42-19 setback against the 49ers was only their second loss of the season, additional help is on the way to support Philadelphia’s defense.
Who could that support be? It’s Shaquille Leonard, a former linebacker for the Colts.
The Colts were where Leonard began more than half of his career after selecting him in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. With 163 tackles as a rookie and three All-Pro selections in his first four years, the South Carolina State product immediately established himself as one of the NFL’s most dynamic linebackers.
But in recent seasons, Leonard has struggled with injuries that have limited his physical prowess. As a result, he was eventually released by the Indianapolis Colts during their bye, as Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed passed him up the depth chart.
As a result, Leonard became a well-known in-season free agent with a lot of upside in the appropriate scenario. Before deciding on the Eagles as his next squad, he paid trips to Philadelphia and Dallas.
MORE: The Colts’ explanation for Shaquille Leonard’s release
However, Leonard chose the Eagles over the Cowboys—why? Ahead of the Week 14 matchup between Dallas and Philadelphia, here are some details on his choice to enter the free agency pool.
Why did Shaquille Leonard sign with the Eagles?
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Eagles were “always the preferred spot” for Leonard. It makes sense when breaking down Philadelphia’s roster construction.
While the Eagles returned most of the roster that went to a Super Bowl last season, they endured a key loss at linebacker, where T.J. Edwards defected to sign a big-money deal with the Bears. The expectation was that Nakobe Dean would take over for him in his second year with the team, but he has struggled to stay healthy.
As such, the Eagles have been relying mostly on Zach Cunningham and Nicholas Morrow to man the position. Both have been solid, but the Eagles don’t have proven depth beyond them. Thus, it makes sense for them to add the experienced Leonard in the hopes that he can rekindle his career in Philadelphia.
For Leonard, there are two reasons why joining the Eagles is the best option. First, the team’s lack of depth at linebacker makes it easy for him to gain playing time. Second, for the first time in his more than five seasons in Indianapolis, he will be able to play for a real Super Bowl contender.
Thus, on the surface, this marriage appears to be reasonable.
POWER RANKINGS: The Eagles and Cowboys are two of the greatest teams in the NFL.
Shaquille Leonard was out of contract with the Cowboys; why?
It isn’t clear exactly why Leonard chose the Eagles over the Cowboys after visiting both teams. Like the Eagles, the Cowboys are a contender and the team has similar depth issues at the position as well.
Because of Leighton Vander Esch’s season-ending injury, the Cowboys are relying heavily on Damone Clark and Markquese Bell at the linebacker position. They recently signed Rashaan Evans to the roster to serve as the team’s third linebacker, so they are just as thin as the Eagles are at the position — if not thinner.
Perhaps Leonard prefers his fit in Sean Desei’s scheme in Philadelphia compared to Dan Quinn’s in Dallas. Or maybe he sees more of a future with the Eagles because Clark, Bell and DeMarvion Overshown (who is recovering from a torn ACL) are all young talents.
Either way, the Cowboys will now have to deal with the blow of not just being scorned by Leonard, but seeing him go to their division rival as well.
Contract with Shaquille Leonard
Leonard has a one-year contract with the Eagles. The contract has a $300,000 cap hit and is worth $1.08 million.
He will once more be available as an unrestricted free agent in the offseason of 2024.
Shaquille Leonard age
Leonard is 28 years old. He was born on July 27, 1995.
The 2023 NFL season marks Leonard’s sixth in the league.
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