Shaquille Leonard Signs With Eagles Over Cowboys

It’s a one-year deal for the three-time All-Pro.

Three-time All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard is signing a one-year deal with the Eagles, the team announced on Monday. Leonard also visited the Cowboys when exploring his options, but he ultimately decided on Philadelphia.  

The Colts cut the veteran on Nov. 21 after he sustained a significant drop-off in production during the last two seasons. Leonard, 28, only played in three games in 2022 due to a variety of injuries, including a concussion and a lingering back injury. This season, he has just 65 tackles but hasn’t recorded a sack or forced fumble in his nine games.

But he won’t be expected to carry the Eagles’ defense, one of the best units in the NFL. Philadelphia is currently the No. 1 team in the NFC and boasts one of the better defenses in the NFL, but was just throttled by the 49ers by 23 points in Week 13, making Leonard’s reported commitment all the more crucial. 

We've agreed to terms on a one-year deal with LB Shaquille Leonard. pic.twitter.com/WjCsPDHRVQ

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 4, 2023

His timing couldn’t be more perfect—for several reasons. Dallas, the other team he was considering, also has an elite defense and is set to face Philadelphia on Sunday Night Football for Week 14 with kickoff set for 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.