(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Indianapolis Colts recently made an unexpected move to part ways with four-time All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard, which opened the door for title-contending teams around the league to bring him in and give their defense a considerable boost for the upcoming NFL playoffs.
Although the veteran linebacker was expected to be a hot commodity on the open market once he cleared waivers, it appears Leonard only really considered signing with the two best teams in the NFC East division.
The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles were at the top of Leonard’s list, with the veteran visiting both teams before making his decision on which team he’d sign with.
Ultimately, Leonard chose to sign with the Eagles, and that decision may have had a lot to do with his relationship with head coach Nick Sirianni, who spent three years on the coaching staff in Indianapolis.
According to Josh Tolentino of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Leonard spoke with Sirianni through FaceTime, and the Eagles head coach is confident in the decision they’ve made to sign the 28-year-old linebacker.
Nick Sirianni said he FaceTimed with Shaquille Leonard last week from the NovaCare Complex and he passed his phone around to the rest of his coaching staff: “I have a great relationship with Shaq. We’re confident in the player we’re getting. We’re confident in the person we’re…
— Josh Tolentino (@JCTSports) December 4, 2023
The arrival of Leonard couldn’t come at a better time for the Eagles, with the team coming off its worst game of the season, as Jalen Hurts and company lost to the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field in convincing fashion.
Leonard should give the Eagles a considerable boost defensively, which is clearly needed after the team couldn’t contend with the 49ers offense led by up-and-coming quarterback Brock Purdy.
In the nine games he played for the Colts this season, he recorded 65 combined tackles and two tackles for loss.
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