According to speculations, the Philadelphia Eagles are looking more closely at three-time Pro Bowl linebacker Shaquille (previously Darius) Leonard. Josina Anderson of CBS Sports earlier revealed that the Eagles’ “initial interest was not there” in Leonard.Not earlier. On November 27, 2023, Anderson tweeted, “There was not initial interest.” “But they might talk about Leonard again if Zach Cunningham’s hamstring injury, which kept him out of the game against the Bills, is troublesome & persistent.”
A few hours later, Anderson said that Zach Cunningham’s injury caused the Eagles to reconsider. Dallas and Philadelphia may be competing for the services of the elite defender.
“After LB Zach Cunningham’s reported hamstring injury on Sunday, per source, I’m told the Eagles are now more interested in pursuing free agent Shaq Leonard,” Anderson went on to say.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Leonard will probably sign a practice squad contract with the team he ends up playing for. The five-year, $98.5 million deal Leonard signed with the Colts before being cut is a long way from this.
Leonard cleared waivers unclaimed, becoming a free agent as of right now. The Cowboys will host the veteran on Tuesday, November 28. It will be intriguing to watch if Jerry Jones, the owner of the Cowboys, allows Leonard to depart without a new contract.
On November 26, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network stated, “Three-time All-Pro LB Shaquille Leonard is scheduled to visit the Cowboys on Tuesday, per source.” “Dallas has little depth at linebacker, and Leonard wouldn’t cost much because the Colts would be paying his salary.”
Reports about the Eagles’ degree of interest in Leonard have been inconsistent. Since his unexpected departure on November 21, Leonard’s two most linked clubs have been Philadelphia and Dallas.
On November 27, Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports said to Jakib Sports, “Doesn’t it feel like that the Eagles were interested before this injury, and now I think Howie might be on the phone today.” “You need him now; you didn’t need him yesterday.”
Although Leonard has a stellar background, it’s unclear how big of an impact he will have this season. The seasoned player has been an All-Pro and Pro Bowl player three times. Leonard has 65 tackles in nine starts this season for the Colts before being cut go.
Injuries have plagued the former Pro Bowl player for the past two seasons. Two seasons have passed since the linebacker made 16 starts in 2021 and had 122 tackles, 8 forced fumbles, 8 pass deflections, 4 interceptions, and 3 fumble recoveries. There is pressure within the Cowboys coaching staff to pursue Leonard, according to ESPN’s Ed Werder.
On November 23, Werder tweeted, “My sense is front office has been encouraged to sign Shaq Leonard by the Cowboys defensive coaches.” The Cowboys, Eagles, and Broncos all reportedly expressed interest. Cowboys see themselves as natural role players. A source from a different squad says that his back procedures have affected his mobility and pace.
Eagles speculations regarding Leonard will probably not stop until the veteran decides what to do. If Leonard decides to visit Philadelphia following his trip to Dallas, it will be interesting to observe.
