Shaquille Leonard, former All-Pro off-the-ball linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts, was released in a shocking move yesterday. Now, despite teams having to pay the comparatively modest sum of $6.1 million – for an All-Pro, that is – to claim him off of waivers, no teams have chosen to do so. This means that the Indianapolis Colts must absorb this $6.1 million hit, and Leonard is free to sign wherever he wants, per Ian Rapoport.
#Colts LB Shaq Leonard has cleared waivers and is officially a free agent, source said. Indy picks up the $6.1M he has left on his contract and the former All-Pro can sign anywhere. He may take a few days to make a decision.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 22, 2023
Where Will Shaquille Leonard Choose?
Many are speculating (like me) that the Philadelphia Eagles are a prime candidate for Shaquille Leonard to re-ignite his career; a bona-fide Super Bowl contender whose only real weakness is lack of both strength and depth at the inside linebacker position, especially since the injury to 2022 3rd Round draft pick, Nakobe Dean.
However, others claim that the Dallas Cowboys could also be in prime position to scoop up the talented former Defensive Rookie Of The Year. This, too, makes sense for a Cowboys team who has seen much of their linebacking corps depleted due to injury, currently starting 2022 undrafted free agent Markquese Bell, as starters Leighton Vander Esch and talented 3rd Round rookie DeMarvion Overshown currently remain on IR.
There a multiple other viable teams to choose from, from the Matt Milano -less Buffalo Bills, who are hoping to get back to form, despite a very tough schedule ahead – and even the fast-rising Houston Texans, who are propelling themselves into viable playoff contenders with excellent quarterback play from rookie sensation, CJ Stroud.
Regardless of who Shaquille Leonard choses and where he ends up, there is no doubt that even if he may not be the superstar he was before, he can certainly be a legitimate starting linebacker for a very long time yet.
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