Star Linebacker Shaquille Leonard Could Become Realistic Option for Buccaneers

Following an injury to LB Lavonte David the Buccaneers could look towards recently waived Shaquille Leonard.

Future Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Ring of Honor honoree LB Lavonte David went down with an injury in the Bucs' most recent matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. After initial analysis of the injury, it appears that David suffered a strained groin and will get an MRI to confirm the extent of the injury.

The injuries are piling up for the Buccaneers and they are starting to get thin at certain positions. A groin injury is less than ideal for the Buccaneers' leader on the defensive side of the ball as it could keep him out for weeks or even months depending on the severity.

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If the Buccaneers are correct in their assumption of the injury and the MRI confirms as much, they could look to the waiver wire to help fill the void that is being left by David in the middle of the field.

One name that has recently become available on waivers is veteran LB Shaquille Leonard who was cut by the Indianapolis Colts on Monday.

Colts announced they officially have waived LB Shaquille Leonard.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 21, 2023

Leonard was notified on Monday that he was being benched by Colts' DC Gus Bradley, but ended up ultimately being released by the team. Following his release Leonard, who was hosting his Turkey Drive ahead of Thanksgiving, cleared up the notion that he requested his release.

To clarify, Shaquille Leonard did not request his release per sources Ana his own words here.

Was told on Monday by DC Gus Bradley that he was being benched. Then, was told separately today of his release. pic.twitter.com/Aj0kaQ1yZc

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) November 21, 2023

Leonard would provide a veteran presence for the Buccaneers in their LB room and its not only his play on the field that can speak for him, but also his tenacious and passionate character when on the field.

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Through his six-year NFL career, "The Maniac" has been named a first-team All-Pro three times, made three Pro Bowls, the league leader in tackles his rookie year, and the league leader in forced fumbles in 2021.

The one question mark that can be made with Leonard has been his recent drop in play after an injury-plagued 2022 season that saw him miss time due to offseason back surgery following the 2021 season, a concussion, and then ultimately reaggravating that same back injury that sat him down for the remainder of the season - limiting to just three game that year.

As it is for the Buccaneers, it would be difficult to claim Shaq outright due to his current contract, and would need to make other moves to be able to do so.

If a team were to claim Shaq Leonard off of waivers, it would owe him $6.11M for the remainder of this season.

He's under contract through 2026, due as follows:
2024: ~$16.1M
2025: ~$19M
2026: ~$19.6M

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 21, 2023

Even so, it is an intriguing option for a Bucs team that is currently ailing on the defensive side of the ball and needs all the help that they can get.

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