Vikings Eyeing $98 Million All-Pro Ahead of Playoffs
The Minnesota Vikings are considering every possibility to help the squad as the regular season nears its end, including adding All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard to the roster.
The three-time All-Pro, who was cut by the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday, is being considered by the Vikings, one of three NFC playoff hopefuls, according to Diana Russini of The Athletic on Thursday, November 23.
After agreeing to a five-year, $98.25 million contract extension in 2021, Leonard played his final few seasons in Indianapolis, but injuries eventually sidelined him. Teams that are still in the running, like the Eagles, Cowboys, Vikings, and others, are currently “gathering information” about him, according to Russini. “A league source stated that Leonard might deliberate slowly.”
Shaquille Leonard’s Fallout With Colts Could Lead to Fresh Start
Leonard, who won defensive rookie of the year in 2018, broke a franchise record for the most sacks in a single season. In his first four years in the league, he was selected for three All-Pro teams as a second-tier pass-rusher and instinctive tackler. In his first three seasons, he recorded 26 tackles for loss and 15.0 sacks.
During his six seasons with the Colts, Leonard started 68 of the 70 games in which he played. With 614 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 20 quarterback hits, 15 sacks, 17 forced fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries, he was a different player when he departed Indianapolis. In 2019, he also had 12 interceptions and 31 pass breakups, including one pick-six.
Leonard was only expected to play in three games last season due to two back operations, but The Athletic still thought he was headed for the “Hall of Fame.”
Leonard’s role on the Colts defense has decreased since his comeback.
Leonard stated earlier this month, as reported by the IndyStar, “It’s just different this year.” “I’m going to either smash the ball back into Zaire or dump it into the safety. In the defense, I don’t feel as liberated as I previously did.
The 28-year-old hasn’t had the same opportunity that he did under former defensive coordinator Matt Eberfleus. Through the 2021 season, Leonard averaged 59.8 pass-rushing snaps each season, according to Pro Football Focus. Under new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, Leonard has rushed the passer just nine times across 454 defensive snaps.
Leonard’s frustration with his usage and playing time surfaced throughout the season, however, he appeared at a charity event just hours after his release from the team.
Leonard spoke with the media on Tuesday at a charitable function. The linebacker claimed he was informed he would not be playing moving forward at his meeting with the coaching staff on Monday. He was cut by the team earlier on Tuesday, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. “Leonard stated he wants to keep playing and hasn’t thought about retiring. He didn’t say that he wouldn’t play this season for another team.
Leonard would receive a lot of practice hurrying the passer in Brian Flores’ defense in addition to a new beginning with the NFL Players Association-ranked Vikings team from this past summer.
