Eagles expected to have interest in signing All-Pro LB Darius Shaquille Leonard
The Philadelphia Eagles may end up beefing up their linebacker room with All-Pro linebacker Darius Shaquille Leonard. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Leonard cleared waivers on Wednesday following his surprising release from the Indianapolis Colts. He is free to sign anywhere. Schefter also reports that the Eagles and Dallas Cowboys are expected to look into […]
The Philadelphia Eagles may end up beefing up their linebacker room with All-Pro linebacker Darius Shaquille Leonard.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Leonard cleared waivers on Wednesday following his surprising release from the Indianapolis Colts. He is free to sign anywhere.
Schefter also reports that the Eagles and Dallas Cowboys are expected to look into signing the longtime Colts linebacker.
Why Leonard Wanted Out of Indianapolis
Leonard was initially selected by the Colts in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft and had been with them leading up to his release.
Several injury setbacks and two surgeries to correct nerve damage in his back kept him limited to just three games in 2022.
Leonard returned this year, but not to his usual "Maniac" self as he missed several routine tackles and has yet to record in single sack. Because of this, Leonard started seeing less and less playing time and he grew frustrated. After expressing his frustration, the Colts moved on from him.
Now, he'll get a fresh start elsewhere and a chance to prove that he still has something left.
In five and a half seasons with the Colts, Leonard played in 70 games, logging 32 tackles for losses, 31 passes defensed, 12 interceptions, 17 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries.
Should the Eagles Sign Leonard?
Since the Eagles already have a solid linebacker corpse featuring Nicholas Morrow and Zach Cunningham, they are really not in desperate need of adding another linebacker.
But that doesn't mean they should ignore the upside of having Leonard join their 9-1 team.
They could always use the extra depth, especially coming from a four-time Pro Bowler with exceptional veteran experience.
You also can't count out injuries striking at any moment, so having Leonard there as they continue their Super Bowl run would be some nice cushion.
It also helps that Leonard is already familiar with head coach Nick Sirianni who spent three seasons with the Colts as their offensive coordinator.
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