The Indianapolis Colts waived one of the most decorated defenders in franchise history last month. Why did they cut star linebacker Shaquille Leonard, and where is he now?
Why Did Colts Cut Shaq Leonard?
Leonard, 28, announced the shocking move on social media on Nov. 21.
“Indy, I want to thank you for accepting me an my family with open arms,” He said in the post. “These past 6 years has been nothing but incredible! Through the good times and bad time y’all stood by my side. I apologize for not bringing that trophy back to the 317. The energy in Lucas Oil has been nothing but amazing and I thank you for every memory. I’m thankful to play for such an amazing fan base. I love you guys and wish the Colts nothing but the best! Maniac out.”
Shortly after the move was announced, Colts owner Jim Irsay also released a statement.
“Colts Nation will always remember The Maniac’s palpable energy on the field with each tackle, interception, punchout, and fumble recovery,” the statement read. “Off the field, he’s a servant leader and assisted numerous families in both his hometown and the Indianapolis community. We’re thankful for Shaq and the contributions he made to our organization. We wish him and his beautiful family the best moving forward.”
Leonard’s career started out strong as he earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2018 as well as four Pro Bowl and four All-Pro nods, along with a huge five-year, $98 million contract extension just before the 2021 season.
During the 2022 offseason, he underwent a procedure on his back that kept him out early in the season. He was ultimately limited to just three games and had another back procedure that ended his season prematurely.
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Leonard came back this summer but did not quite return to his usual self. It led to the Colts reducing his role, as he played just 69.7% of the defense’s snaps in 2023. His numbers were not great, as he had no sacks and 65 tackles, and he had been vocal throughout the season about his decreased role.
In 68 career games, the 28-year-old has 614 tackles, 17 forced fumbles, 15 sacks, and 12 interceptions.
According to OverTheCap, Leonard was due a guaranteed $15.7 million in 2023 and is still owed about $6.1 million for the remainder of this season.
Where Is Leonard Playing Now?
The morning after they surrendered 42 points and 456 yards in a blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the Philadelphia Eagles tried to improve things by adding Leonard.
The Eagles signed Leonard to the active roster after agreeing to terms with the free agent on Monday, Dec. 4.
“Shaq’s been an all-down, All-Pro linebacker in this league,” said defensive coordinator Sean Desai. “We’re excited to get him in here and get working with him, kind of teach him our stuff, and have him part of that room and compete with everybody and then move forward that way.”
In Leonard’s first game with the Eagles, where the team suffered a 33-13 loss to the Cowboys, he played 14 snaps and had just two tackles.
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