Colts release Shaquille Leonard
The Indianapolis Colts did the unthinkable on Tuesday. As they have officially released former All-Pro and fan favorite LB Shaquille Leonard. Leonard's play since returning from injury has been a shell of his prior self. In recent weeks, it had caused his snap count to take a hit, and he shared his displeasure with his […]
The Indianapolis Colts did the unthinkable on Tuesday.
As they have officially released former All-Pro and fan favorite LB Shaquille Leonard.
Leonard's play since returning from injury has been a shell of his prior self. In recent weeks, it had caused his snap count to take a hit, and he shared his displeasure with his smaller role.
With his play not matching his request for a bigger role, the release shouldn't come as a surprise if this was just any other player. But Leonard has been a fan favorite for the franchise from the moment he was drafted with the 36th pick in the 2nd round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Leonard would go on to win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award and cement himself as the leader of this Colts defense from that moment up until his release today.
Leonard is now subject to waivers where if a team claims him, they will owe the remainder of his 6.5 million dollar contract this season and would pick up the remainder of his contract with no guaranteed money in future years. More likely than not, he will clear waivers and be free to sign wherever he would like as a free agent, but his time repping the horseshoe is officially over.
He broke the news of his release himself, releasing the following statement:
This move saves the Colts at least 55 million dollars over the next three seasons, and it likely means the team will start the duo of Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed full-time going forward.
I think I speak for everyone in Indianapolis when I wish Leonard and his family the best for the remainder of his playing career. He has had an enormous impact on the Colts and the city of Indianapolis during his six years with the team, and that will not soon be forgotten.
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