The Indianapolis Colts made a shocking move earlier in the week by parting ways with three-time All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard. The former second-round pick and 2018 Defensive Rookie of the Year saw a considerable dip in playing time, and the Colts decided it was best to set Leonard free and allow him to sign with a contending organization. Injuries have taken their toll on Leonard, and he’s no longer the type of player who can record 150+ tackles and 5+ sacks in any given year. However, he still has some juice left in his tank, and the following five teams should be interested in adding him as a potential final piece to the championship-caliber defense.
5 Teams That Should Sign Shaquille Leonard
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have one of the best defenses in football, but there is always room for improvement. After losing Leighton Vander Esch for the season, the team has been forced to turn to former Tennessee Titan Rashaan Evans as an emergency depth option. While Evans is a fine player in his own right, there is no denying that Shaquille Leonard is a clear upgrade. With a ferocious defensive line and one of the best cornerback duos in the league, the Cowboys won’t need Leonard to play like his 2018 self to make a deep playoff run. They just need him to be a league-average starter, and he’s definitely capable of that.
Philadelphia Eagles
Sticking in the NFC East, the Philadelphia Eagles have perhaps the best all-around roster in the game. However, if they had one weakness, it’s probably at linebacker. Howie Roseman notoriously ignored the position for years, and with Nakobe Dean on the injured reserve, the need at the position has only grown stronger. The Eagles currently sit atop the NFC, but despite their lofty 9-1 record, this team is dangerously close to losing their hold on the division. The Cowboys are breathing down their neck and Philadelphia can’t afford to let one or two games slip through their fingers. Shaquille Leonard will help solidify this defense and help this team return to the Super Bowl for the second time in as many years.
Los Angeles Chargers
The previous two teams on this list already have their tickets to the postseason and could only use Shaquille Leonard as added reinforcements. That is not the case for the Los Angeles Chargers. At 4-6, Los Angeles is fighting for their playoffs, and head coach Brandon Staley knows that he probably won’t be back if he misses the postseason. Justin Herbert is playing some incredible football, but he doesn’t play defense. The Chargers desperately need something to change if they want to stop being one of the worst units in the league, and perhaps Leonard could bring some security to the run defense while providing support against shallow crossers and slants.
Minnesota Vikings
After a disastrous start to the season, the Minnesota Vikings have somehow found a way to sneak into the playoff picture. Josh Dobbs is slowly becoming a folk hero, and Justin Jefferson should be back any week now. This team is in a prime position to make a playoff run, and Shaquille Leonard could help take this Cinderella story to the next level. Of course, if they want to make a deep playoff run, they’ll need to do something about this defense. Right now, it’s an average unit that probably won’t be able to hold up to the elite aerial attacks of the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and San Francisco 49ers. Shaquille Leonard can’t fix this entire unit on his own, but he will be an upgrade on what’s currently there.
New Orleans Saints
At 5-5, the New Orleans Saints are currently in the driver’s seat for the NFC South crown. While that says more about the NFC South than it does the Saints, the fact of the matter is that the postseason is complete chaos and weird things can happen in small samples. Chances are, the Saints won’t make a deep postseason run. However, if they want to increase their chances of getting by with small-sample variance, then they should think about adding someone like Shaquille Leonard. The Saints front seven needs an infusion of talent, and Leonard is easily the best option available at this point in the season.
Main Photo: Jenna Watson – USA Today Sports
