The news about the Indianapolis Colts releasing Shaquille Leonard on Tuesday was stunning in that he was one of the NFL’s premier linebackers only two years ago.
But injuries have taken a serious toll on Shaquille Leonard, who started nine games for the Colts this season but hasn’t performed close to the level of previous seasons. And now the three-time first-team All-Pro and former Defensive Rookie of the Year is a free agent after clearing waivers Wednesday.
Given Shaquille Leonard’s credentials and the fact he’s been on the field for most of the season, he should draw interest from several teams, but mostly contenders looking for a defensive spark.
Here are five possible destinations, listed alphabetically.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills, who rank fourth in scoring defense, have gotten strong efforts from second-year linebacker Terrel Bernard, who leads the team in tackles and fumble recoveries, and fourth-year pro Tyrel Dodson. But Buffalo, which is only average defending the run (16th), could use some rotational depth after losing Matt Milano to a leg injury. A healthy Shaquille Leonard could be part of the antidote and might be worth a flyer from the Bills, who have of a gauntlet of games over the next three weeks against Philadelphia, Kansas City and Dallas.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns already have the league’s best defense. So why would they consider adding Leonard? To get even stronger. While the pass defense ranks first overall, the run defense is 11th , allowing 99.6 yards per game. So the Browns might look at add another player capable of stuffing the run from the linebacker position. Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah leads Cleveland with 12 tackles for loss, and Anthony Walker Jr. has performed well, but defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz probably wouldn’t be opposed to adding more depth, experience, and playmaking to the group. And if that’s the case, Leonard might be the guy.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are always looking for pieces to strengthen their pursuit of a Super Bowl title, and Leonard could help them in an area of need, especially after losing Leighton Vander Esch to a season-ending neck injury. They recently signed Rashaan Evans, a former first-round pick, to their active roster. They’ve been going with Markquese Bell, a converted safety, and second-year linebacker Damone Clark, but Leonard could give them a veteran presence alongside Micah Parsons. It also helps that Leonard has a relationship with cornerback Stephon Gilmore, a former teammate in Indianapolis. So, don’t be surprised if Leonard’s next helmet has a star on it.
Philadelphia Eagles
ESPN’s Adam Schefter cited the Eagles as a potential team Wednesday, even though they rank first in the NFL against the run (76.5 yards per game). Philadelphia’s struggles on defense exist more in the passing game, where the team ranks 28th overall. The Eagles, however, are lean at inside linebacker, especially with Nakobe Dean on injured reserve. Although Nicholas Morrow and Zach Cunningham have done admirable work inside, adding Leonard to the mix could help solve the depth issue. And playing behind one of the game’s best defensive lines, perhaps Leonard could show flashes of the player he once was.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Defense has carried the Steelers, who just fired offensive coordinator Matt Canada. But injuries have decimated the Steelers’ inside linebacking unit. The Steelers just signed Blake Martinez off the Panthers’ practice squad, and that might make a move to sign Leonard less likely. Still, quality depth remains an issue. Two starters – Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander – suffered season-ending injuries, and other than Elandon Roberts, who played every defensive snap last week against Cleveland, the rest of the position group is rather green. While they’ve also added Myles Jack to the practice squad, Leonard could be a valuable pickup for the Steelers.