(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The Indianapolis Colts are having a surprisingly competitive season.
They finished with the third-worst record in the NFL last season, which allowed them to select quarterback Anthony Richardson in the NFL Draft.
But, due to an unfortunate shoulder injury for Richardson, he only played in four games his rookie year.
That has opened the door for Gardner Minshew to step in and help the Colts win games.
Indianapolis is currently 5-5 and still alive in the AFC South race.
But they just made a bold move on the defensive side of the ball.
Former All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard was released by the Colts on Tuesday.
It was a move that came as a surprise to many around the league.
Leonard tweeted out the news along with a thank you to the Colts and their fans.
Indy, I thank you pic.twitter.com/VxMa1VU2IA
— Darius Shaquille Leonard (@dsleon45) November 21, 2023
Even though this was a surprising move, Leonard was not playing at an All-Pro level.
Recent injuries have taken a toll on him and the Colts must have thought he was not worth what they were paying him.
Still, you can bet teams will line up to try and acquire his services.
Leonard will most likely clear waivers because teams do not want to pick up his contract.
But, after that, he is free to sign anywhere in the league.
Some teams that should show interest in Leonard are the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys.
Both teams recently lost starting linebackers to season-ending injuries.
Also, the Steelers just added two recently retired linebackers to their team.
Leonard is only 28 years old and should be able to be a starting-caliber player on whatever team he signs with.
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