Dallas Cowboys BREAKING: Shaq Leonard Signing Interest 'Expected' As All-Pro Clears Waivers

Dallas Cowboys BREAKING: Shaq Leonard Signing Interest 'Expected' As All-Pro Clears Waivers

FRISCO - As three-time All-Pro Shaq Leonard contemplates his NFL future - one we would suggest might be worth exploring with the Dallas Cowboys - he is taking a moment to reflect on a recent past he terms "shocking.''

"That's what I'm most hurt about,'' said Leonard, unceremoniously cut by the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday. "I feel like I left (my teammates) out to dry, being a leader in that locker room.

Leonard (well-known as Darius Leonard but now going by his middle name as well as his high-energy nickname of "The Maniac'') has been one the league's best linebackers since entering the NFL as a second-round pick of the Colts in 2018.

We predicted he would clear waivers; that's come true. 

We also hinted Dallas would be interested; according to multiple reports, our information there is true as well.

Indy had recently lessened his playing time, maybe in part as a reflection of some level of decline in the 28-year-old's play. Still, one of the reasons he is terming the move as "shocking'' is because he thought he was being called into the front office on Tuesday to discuss his role ...

Only to find out that Indianapolis has decided he has no role.

"The biggest surprise ever,'' he called it.

Leonard has been top-notch on the field and off for his six seasons in Indy, and now is subject to NFL waivers. If a team was to claim him (the order, like the NFL Draft, goes worst-teams-first), that's his new employer.

Due to his salary - he essentially would be paid a steep $1 million weekly should a team claim him and therefore have to pick up a chunk of his huge $98 million contract - we knew he would pass through waivers ... and thus be able to pick his own team.

‘Stunning’ Move: Could Cowboys Sign All-Pro Shaq?

And as we write above, we see four reasons why the Cowboys should explore the wisdom of being that landing spot.

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

As a rookie in 2018, Shaq Leonard led the NFL in tackles, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year and First-Team All-Pro honors. Over the next three seasons he did much the same each year and earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in all of those seasons.

He's now largely a run-stopper and a veteran presence, and his time on the unemployment line won't last long. But first ... he'll need some time for the "shock'' to wear off. ... and he should prep for a phone call from a Frisco area code.