Eagles: Conflicting reports emerge on potential All-Pro addition

There's a possibility that the Philadelphia Eagles will meet with All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard this week. First, he will meet with the enemy, the Dallas Cowboys. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Leonard is visiting Dallas on Tuesday. He adds that a source told him that Leonard “should be visiting later this week" with the Eagles. However, […]

Kelsey Kramer — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer

Nov 28, 2023 10:43 AM EST

Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field. — Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

There's a possibility that the Philadelphia Eagles will meet with All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard this week.

First, he will meet with the enemy, the Dallas Cowboys.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Leonard is visiting Dallas on Tuesday. He adds that a source told him that Leonard “should be visiting later this week" with the Eagles.

However, Schefter's report conflicts with what Dianna Russini of The Athletic had to say.

Free-agent three-time All-Pro LB Shaquille Leonard is visiting today with the Dallas Cowboys and, in the words of a source, “should be visiting later this week” with the Philadelphia Eagles. pic.twitter.com/47x6c1H3pN
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 28, 2023

According to Russini, Leonard is visiting with the Cowboys and the Eagles do not have a visit set up. Instead, they hope that "if he leaves Dallas without a deal, they can land him."

There are also other teams interested in Leonard, Russini says.

All-Pro LB Shaquille Leonard is visiting with the Cowboys and I was told the Eagles do not have a visit set up yet. The hope in Philly is if he leaves Dallas without a deal, they can land him.
There are also other teams talking to Leonard's camp about possible interest.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) November 28, 2023

Injury Sparked Eagles Interest in Leonard

CBS Sports' Josina Anderson reported on Monday that the Eagles didn't have an initial interest in pursuing Leonard when he cleared waivers and became a free agent last week.

However, things have since changed after Eagles' linebacker Zach Cunningham left Sunday's game with a hamstring injury.

I'm told the #Eagles now have increasing interest in pursuing free agent LB Shaq Leonard, following the reported hamstring injury to LB Zach Cunningham Sunday, per source. https://t.co/hliVjtAoFD
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) November 27, 2023

It's safe to say that Leonard hasn't been his usual "Maniac" self since injuries set him back in 2022, having not recorded a single sack this season. That doesn't mean he still wouldn't be a solid and affordable addition to the Eagles roster in place of Cunningham.

In five and a half seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, Leonard played in 70 games, logging 32 tackles for losses, 31 passes defensed, 12 interceptions, 17 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries.

For now, the ball is in Dallas' court and the Eagles will need to hope that they whiff their shot.