Falcon Report

Indianapolis Colts Cut Shaq Leonard; Should Atlanta Falcons Sign?

Shaq Leonard has been cut by the Indianapolis Colts. Could the Atlanta Falcons sign him?

Jeremy Brener

In this story:

The Indianapolis Colts made a surprise decision on Tuesday that's sure to get the other 31 teams thinking about linebacker depth.

Linebacker Shaq Leonard said his goodbye to the Colts on social media after the three-time All-Pro was cut by the team after six years.

Leonard, 28, has started nine games for the Colts this season, but his playing time and production has taken a dip in the past couple of years. That being said, Leonard could still be a factor for a team in need of some linebacker help ... like the Atlanta Falcons.

The Falcons have struggled for continuity at the middle linebacker spot this season. In training camp, the team cut Mykal Walker, who was the primary starter at the position in 2022. There was hope that second-year pro Troy Andersen could fill that role, but his season came to an end after just two games when he was placed on injured reserve.

ndianapolis Colts outside linebacker Darius Leonard (53) rushes the ball Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
ndianapolis Colts outside linebacker Darius Leonard (53) rushes the ball Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis :: Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Since Andersen's departure from the lineup, Nate Landman has filled in, and he's done a decent job. However, the team could use some depth. That's where Leonard could come in.

Leonard is currently in the third year of a five-year contract worth $98.5 million. If he was picked up off waivers, whichever team claimed him would be responsible for paying him that contract. 

The team could save a little over $12 million by cutting him before June 1, but it would still be a lot of money to pay him this season at $6.11 million.

The Falcons have cap space, but they may choose to take the risk in the case that Leonard would clear waivers. Then, Atlanta and the other 31 teams can agree to new terms on a contract.

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By no means is Leonard a guarantee to come to the Falcons or even be a positive influence. However, if the Falcons want to compete for the NFC South, making a move like this could be one they consider.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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