Steelers Should Sign Colts Star Shaq Leonard

The Pittsburgh Steelers could and should pursue Shaq Leonard.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are turning over every stone they can find to try and replace their injured veterans at inside linebacker. The team recently signed two former starters, but they could land a star out of Indianapolis who was just sent to waivers. 

The Colts decided former second-round pick Shaq Leonard would be headed to the open market after five and a half seasons in Indy. The star inside linebacker signed a five-year, $98.5 million deal in 2021 but watched his playing time diminish in 2023 prior to his departure. 

Now, Leanord is on the waiver wire, and once he clears it, he'll be a free agent with plenty of attention from those who need linebacker help. That list includes the Steelers. 

While Mykal Walker and Blake Martinez are better than nothing, they aren't the ideal candidates to replace Kwon Alexander and Cole Holcomb. Walker is assumably the starter alongside Elandon Roberts moving forward, but Martinez hasn't been on an active roster for more than four games a season since 2020. 

Meanwhile, Mark Robinson played zero defensive snaps last week after Walker was signed off the practice. And until he becomes a part of the defense, he can't be viewed as an option to help replace Alexander and Holcomb. 

Leonard would bring three Pro Bowls and three All-Pro selections to Pittsburgh to try and replace their injured inside linebacker room. While his play has taken a step backward following two back surgeries last season, he's a name that makes a lot of sense for any team that needs off-ball help. 

Pittsburgh will need to wait until he clears waivers before trying to land a deal, but once he does, they should be on the phone trying to strike a contract to add another starter to the mix. 

And for anyone doubting the Steelers' ability to land star players right now, don't rule them out that quickly. Mike Tomlin remains the head coach most players want to play for, and Pittsburgh is still in the playoff hunt. The signing makes plenty of sense for both sides, not just the team's. 

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