The Philadelphia Eagles are showing an “increasing interest” in free agent linebacker Shaq Leonard, reports CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson. The former All-Pro linebacker was waived last week by Indianapolis after his role began to diminish with the Colts. The 28-year-old earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2018, 2020, and 2021.
The Birds were connected to Leonard shortly after he cleared waivers, however nothing more came of it. In fact, all was quiet with Leonard until earlier in the weekend when it was reported he would be taking a visit to the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday. Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed the visit and Dallas’ interest in Leonard. Dallas recently lost LB Leighton Vander Esch to a neck injury and are in need at the linebacker position.
However, due to the unknown severity of LB Zack Cunningham’s hamstring injury, the Eagles might be in the market for a linebacker. Thus, the increased interest in Leonard, who will apparently have to decide between the Birds and the Boys.
Any team signing Leonard will get him at a bargain basement rate. Because he was cut and passed through waivers, the Colts are on the hook for the remaining $6.1MM of Leonard’s 2023-24 base salary. Leonard, who underwent two back procedures in the offseason, has 65 total tackles in nine games on the 2023-24 season.
Keep an eye on this one over the next few days, folks! It could get interesting.
UPDATE (11/28/23- 9:40 AM)
NFL scribe Adam Schefter chimes in with Leonard’s travel itinerary for the week:
Free-agent three-time All-Pro LB Shaquille Leonard is visiting today with the Dallas Cowboys and, in the words of a source, “should be visiting later this week” with the Philadelphia Eagles. pic.twitter.com/47x6c1H3pN
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 28, 2023
It will be interesting to see if Dallas lets Leonard leaves Frisco without a contract knowing the Eagles are also in hot pursuit of the former All-Pro.
Update: (11/28/23- 2:20 PM)
Johnny Airport with the latest on Leonard and the Eagles
I’m told the Eagles hope and expect to have All Pro LB Shaq Leonard visit the Novacare Complex tomorrow if he doesn’t sign with the Cowboys after his visit in Dallas today pic.twitter.com/iQ2pCLwJCi
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) November 28, 2023
Update: (11/28/23- 2:56 PM)
The Eagles visit is still on!
Sources to @BleacherReport: Former #Colts All-Pro LB Darius Leonard had a successful visit with the #Cowboys and is set to meet with the #Eagles next. A decision is expected over the weekend. pic.twitter.com/dRBg7kdEZq
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 28, 2023
