Here are some top landing spots for the best remaining free agent linebacker Shaquille Leonard this offseason. According to a report, one of the best available free-agent linebackers is still on the market but could sign with a team soon. He was having a promising career in the league but injuries have been holding his production back in recent years. However, Leonard was attempting to make a comeback with the Philadelphia Eagles but didn’t live up to expectations.
He was originally drafted in the second round by the Colts in 2018 out of South Carolina State. There was already doubt with that selection but Leonard was able to prove different in his rookie year. He was able to earn Defensive Rookie of the Year and was named first-team All-Pro. Leonard would remain one of the most consistent linebackers after notching four consecutive All-Pro teams in his first four years in the league.
Since he was dealing with injuries in 2021, he never got back to Pro Bowl form like everyone was expecting. It wasn’t until 2023 that he was able to come back on the field but found himself as a backup. He isn’t going to be the same anymore entering this upcoming fall if he lands with a team. Rosters that will be looking for him probably just want a reliable veteran to reinforce their defense.
Last season, he was able to appear in nine games for the Colts and five games for the Eagles. He notched 88 total tackles, four tackles for loss and one loss. However, there’s an opportunity to get the same fluid movement and speed that he had before. Nothing is a guarantee in the league so it’s interesting how the sweepstakes will play out for Leonard.
Top Landing Spots for Best Remaining Free Agent Linebacker Shaquille Leonard
Landing Spots
Los Angeles Chargers
The team is still looking for a physical hitter after being able to bring back Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. They may not be around for long after this season so they may as well get a veteran until they can establish a rookie. Leonard thrives in good defense and his teaming with Mack and Bosa could bring him back to his All-Pro form. He isn’t going to fix the run defense for the team overnight it gives them a cheap option to consider.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens arguably will have one of the best defenses this upcoming fall. However, the team lost one of their promising defensive pieces this offseason, including Patrick Queen and Geno Stone. Leonard is in redemption arc at this time around and there’s no better way than to do it in Baltimore. He isn’t a Pro Bowler for no reason so it’s clear that he still has some juice in his system before he retires.
Carolina Panthers
Josey Jewell will have big shoes to fill this upcoming season after losing Frankie Luvu this free agency. Even though the Panthers are in rebuild mode, they should still get a veteran to get this defense under control. Teams don’t win just on offense, they need some reliable pieces on defense. However, they may have Jadeveon Clowney but both of their veteran mindset could complete a mentorship package for young talent.
Chicago Bears
Matt Eberflus has some history with Leonard so the two having chemistry together would be a major plus for the defense. However, they were able to bring in Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards on major deals last year but this shouldn’t stop the Bears from making moves. On paper, they’re set at the position but one should speculate that Leonard would help someone like Jack Sanborn who’s been promising for this defense.
Los Angeles Rams
Aaron Donald is one of the best defensive pieces in the league after his retirement, no one is replacing the power he was bringing. However, the Rams getting younger at the linebacker position with Ernest Jones and Christian Rozeboom. Leonard may not be a direct upgrade but he gives the defense another rotational piece. Leonard could probably be the new veteran spokesperson for the team’s defense since Donald’s departure.
