Philadelphia Eagles 'Expected' to Have Interest in Signing Indianapolis Colts Ex Shaquille Leonard
As the Philadelphia Eagles continue their journey for back-to-back Super Bowl appearances, they’re reportedly looking to add some All-Pro talent to an already elite roster.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Eagles are a team to watch in the potential free agent sweepstakes for linebacker Shaquille Leonard, who was waived by the Indianapolis Colts after Week 11.
The Eagles are joined by their longtime rival Dallas Cowboys as another team that could potentially make a run at Leonard.
“Colts’ three-time All-Pro LB Shaquille Leonard cleared waivers today, per source. He is now a free agent.
“Teams expected to have some level of interest include the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.”
Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Darius Leonard (53) celebrates after making an interception Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis
© Jenna Watson, The Indianapolis Star
The Colts’ recent waiving of Leonard came as a sudden surprise to many. The three-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro has been one of the league’s best linebacker since his rookie season with Indianapolis in 2018. That season, he led the league in tackles (163) as a rookie before winning Defensive Rookie of the Year.
In 70 career games, Leonard has posted 614 total tackles, 15 sacks, 17 forced fumbles, 12 interceptions, 31 passes defended and one touchdown.
Should he sign with Philly, Leonard would bolster a defense that already features a deep front seven with Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, Jalen Carter, Haason Reddit and Josh Sweat along with linebackers Zach Cunningham and Nicholas Morrow, who have been productive this season. The unit also just shut out the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half of Monday night’s 21-17 win.
The Eagles (9-1) host the Buffalo Bills (6-5) on Sunday.
