Eagles, Leonard agree to 1-year deal
The Philadelphia Eagles and free-agent linebacker Shaquille Leonard agreed to terms on a one-year deal, the team announced Monday.
Leonard, a four-time All-Pro, was picking between the Eagles and Dallas Cowboys after his surprising release from the Indianapolis Colts during his sixth season with the team.
Philadelphia and Dallas are set to face off on Sunday night in Week 14.
Leonard was among the NFL's best linebackers over his first four years and became known for his penchant for forcing turnovers.
But the 28-year-old missed all but three games in 2022 and had multiple back surgeries in the offseason.
Leonard played in nine games for the Colts this campaign but was given a reduced role, a decision he publicly criticized multiple times before he was cut. He produced 65 total tackles but no forced fumbles, sacks, or pass breakups.
Philadelphia is in desperate need of reinforcements at linebacker, especially after its defense was dominated by the San Francisco 49ers in Sunday night's 42-19 defeat. Nicholas Morrow, in particular, struggled against San Francisco's elite weaponry.
Of the 49ers’ 314 passing yards vs. the #Eagles, 213 yards came after the catch.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) December 4, 2023
LB Nicholas Morrow, alone, accounted for 151 YAC yards, per PFF. Other Eagles could have helped minimize the damage on those plays, of course.
But Morrow, overall, allowed 6 catches for 175 yards…
The Eagles were forced to rely on Morrow and Christian Elliss with Nakobe Dean out due to a long-term foot injury and Zach Cunningham sidelined due to a hamstring injury.