The Indianapolis Colts waived linebacker Shaquille Leonard last week, ending his six-year tenure with the franchise. The Colts could later regret the decision if he transforms back into a star with another team.
It was a rather shocking move, especially since it occurred in the middle of the season. Yet, it makes sense, knowing that Leonard hasn’t been the big-time performer that he was before being bitten hard by the injury bug.
Could Waiving Shaquille Leonard Come Back To Haunt Indianapolis Colts?
Looking Back at His Career in Indianapolis
Following a collegiate career at South Carolina State, Leonard was selected by the Colts in the second round (36th overall pick) of the 2018 NFL Draft. He put together a remarkable rookie year, leading the league with 163 combined tackles. He also contributed four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, seven sacks, eight passes defended, and two interceptions.
For his efforts, Leonard was named an All-Pro and took home NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. He helped the Colts make the playoffs as well.
Leonard quickly emerged as one of the league’s top defensive players. The “Maniac” made three straight Pro Bowls from 2019-2021. During the 2022 season, he produced 75 tackles, three fumble recoveries, eight pass deflections, and a league-high eight forced fumbles as he was named an All-Pro for the fourth time.
Unfortunately, injuries got in the way. Leonard had two back surgeries in 2022 to address nerve issues. He was limited to just three games last year. This season, he just didn’t look like the same star that he was during his first four years in the league. He was ultimately waived as a result.
Shaquille Leonard Might Return to Pro Bowl Form Somewhere Else
Leonard is currently a free agent after going through waivers unclaimed. It’s not surprising that he went unclaimed. If a team had picked him up, they would’ve taken on his existing contract, which is $6.1 million for the rest of the season.
Leonard hasn’t signed with another team yet, but he has reportedly visited both the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. His decision to sign with either team is expected to come this weekend.
The Cowboys lost Leighton Vander Esch for the year earlier this season (neck injury). That means they’re thin at the linebacker position. Philadelphia needs help as well with Zach Cunningham suffering a hamstring injury. Plus, Leonard has a great relationship with Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni, who used to be the Colts’ offensive coordinator.
It’s possible that Leonard could return to Pro Bowl form with the Cowboys, Eagles, or whatever team he signs with. If that happens, cutting ties with him could prove to be a mistake by the Colts.
Following multiple neck surgeries, Indianapolis released Peyton Manning back in 2012. Many fans and experts believed his superstar days were over. Yet, he later signed with the Denver Broncos, winning a Super Bowl and an MVP award.
While Leonard isn’t a larger-than-life Hall of Famer like Manning, he can still resurrect his career with a new team. We shall see how his post-Colts career turns out.
Main Photo Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
