ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Indianapolis Colts have returned from their bye week without one of their defense’s mainstays in recent years. Shaquille Leonard, a linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts, was released on Tuesday. He was released on Wednesday after clearing waivers. The former All-Pro confirmed the news on social media, writing goodbye to the team and the city.
“Indy, I want to thank you for accepting me and my family with open arms,” he wrote. “The last six years have been nothing short of incredible!” You’ve been at my side through good and bad times. I apologize for not returning the prize to the 317. The energy at Lucas Oil has been nothing short of incredible, and I am grateful for every memory. I’m grateful to have such a supportive fan base. I adore you all and wish the Colts nothing but success!”
In the aftermath of the transfer, Colts owner Jim Irsay took to social media to reminisce over Leonard’s stay, but also conceding that the NFL is a “tough business.”
“Colts Nation will always remember The Maniac’s palpable energy on the field with each tackle, interception, punchout, and fumble recovery,” Irsay stated in an e-mail. “Away from the field, he’s a servant leader who has helped numerous families in his hometown and the Indianapolis community.” We are grateful to Shaq for his contributions to our organization. We wish him and his lovely family all the best in the future.
Leonard, a second-round draft pick out of South Carolina State, requested to go by his middle name, Shaquille, rather than his initial name, Darius, in 2022. He had an immediate impact with the Colts, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year after leading the league in tackles as a rookie. He was named to the Pro Bowl four times and was a first-team All-Pro three times throughout his career.
Leonard has been troubled by ailments in recent seasons. He was limited to three games in 2022 due to offseason back surgery, suffered a concussion in Week 4 of that year, and was placed on injured reserve for the rest of the season in Week 10 after his back injury resurfaced. Leonard has appeared in and started nine games for the Colts this season, totaling 65 tackles.
A team was unlikely to claim Leonard off waivers and absorb his present deal. If a team did, they would have owed him approximately $6 million in basic salary for the remainder of this season and north of $13 million per season (including $19 million in 2026) over the next three seasons. It was much more likely for this situation to play out, where he is now free to accept a more palatable contract with a new team after clearing waivers.
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