On November 21, the Indianapolis Colts surprised everyone by waiving former All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard. Though he’s having a down year due to injuries, Leonard is only 28 years old and there should be teams interested in him.
The Las Vegas Raiders could be a team to watch. The team has dealt with multiple injuries to linebackers this season and their best linebacker Robert Spillane is playing with a broken hand. The defense has been much improved this season and is 13th in points allowed (20.5 per game).
The addition of a player like Leonard can only assist the defense. However, claiming him off waivers is a difficult process. He is still under a five-year, $98.5 million contract with the Colts that extends until 2026. A team that signs him will be responsible for the majority of the rest of the deal.
Leonard is more likely to clear waivers and enter free agency. The Raiders may be intriguing to linebackers since interim head coach Antonio Pierce is a former linebacker and the players appear to like playing under him.
There are currently teams in contention for the Super Bowl who may be interested. That would be more tempting for Leonard to at least finish the season. If he’s looking for a fun environment where he can make an impact, the Raiders make a lot of sense.
Shaquille Leonard Discusses His Release
Shaquille Leonard has been one of the Colts’ top players in recent years, as well as one of the NFL’s best linebackers. From 2018 to 2021, he was awarded an All-Pro four years in a row. In 2018, the former second-round pick out of South Carolina State was also named Defensive Rookie of the Year.
He’s become an essential part of the Colts and the city of Indianapolis, and his release caught him off guard.
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“It was shocking,” Leonard told ESPN on November 21. “I requested a meeting in November.” I guess I got a meeting in November. “I suppose you should be careful what you ask for.”
Leonard is more likely to clear waivers and become available for free agency. The Raiders may be appealing to linebackers since interim head coach Antonio Pierce is a former linebacker and the players seem to enjoy working with him.
There are now teams vying for the Super Bowl who could be interested. That would make Leonard more likely to finish the season. The Raiders make a lot of sense if he’s searching for a fun environment where he can make an impact.
“It starts with the coaches understanding who our personnel is and playing to the strengths of our personnel,” Pierce stated during a media availability on November 20. “And believing in what we’re doing.” That’s the major deal. …
“As you gain success as a team and as individuals, you begin to believe what the coordinator says and how he sets things up.” Patrick Graham has done an excellent job with that every week. Everything begins to fall into place. And you begin to form this close-knit community that has pride in one another and does not want to let one other down.”
