Potential Landing Spot for Former $98 Million Star LB
The Dallas Cowboys have indicated they are interested in signing free agent quarterback Shaquille Leonard. He is scheduled to visit the Cowboys on Nov. 28. However, if Leonard leaves Dallas without a contract, Tyler Sullivan and Garrett Podell of CBS Sports speculated that his next destination would be the Pittsburgh Steelers.
On November 28, Sullivan and Podell named the Steelers second to the Cowboys on their list of potential landing spots for Leonard. “The Steelers’ backcourt has been decimated by injuries,” Sullivan and Podell said, “so much so that Miles had to retire to fill Jack’s void. “I wrote. “Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander have both been injured in recent seasons, and Michal Walker started last Sunday against the Browns after previously being on the practice squad.
“Leonard could come in and compete for a starting spot, or he could slot into the rotation with Walker, Zack and Allenden Roberts to help stabilize this group in Pittsburgh.”
In addition to the Steelers and Cowboys, Sullivan and Podell mentioned the Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears as potential landing spots for the veteran linebacker. Leonard is available because he was cleared off waivers after the Indianapolis Colts waived him on Nov. 21.
In 2021, the Colts signed Leonard to a five-year, $98.5 million contract.
What can Shaquille Leonard bring to his next team?
There isn’t much debate that Leonard is the best player in the NFL from 2018 to 2021. As a rookie, he led the NFL with 163 total tackles, including a league-high 111 solo tackles. Leonard earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and was first team All-Pro. He was first-team All-Pro again in 2020 and 2021. In 2021, Leonard led the NFL with eight forced fumbles. He also put the ball in the net four times. Leonard was second team All-Pro in the 2019 season, making a career-high five starts. As of 2018, Leonard is the only NFL quarterback with 15 sacks and 10 or more interceptions.
But injuries have slowed Leonard’s play over the past two seasons. He underwent back surgery in June 2022 to repair nerves affecting his left calf and ankle. Leonard began the 2022 season on injured reserve. When he returned to the field in Week 5 last year, he suffered injuries such as a concussion and a broken nose. He had to miss three games due to a concussion. Leonard then suffered a back injury before Week 10, putting him back on injured reserve for the remainder of 2022.
Leonard appeared in nine games for the Colts this season, but his playing time was limited. When he was on the field, he didn’t make as much of an impact as he did in his early years in the NFL.
He may not be the same All-Pro player, but Leonard can provide immediate support to any team looking for inside linebacker help.
Are the Steelers a possible destination for Leonard?
Pittsburgh is an obvious choice as a landing spot for Leonard due to injuries to linebackers Sullivan and Podell. The Steelers will be without Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander for the rest of the season. Over the past two weeks, Elandon Roberts has played every defensive tackle to none. In addition, Mikal Walker, who the Steelers added to the active roster from the practice squad on Nov. 18, also had a decent performance.
Even if the Steelers decide to stick with Roberts and Walker, Pittsburgh could use Leonard for depth. The Steelers’ other two inside linebackers, Mark Robinson and Martinez, did not start on defense in Week 12.
In addition to his depth, Leonard can provide more play than Robinson or Martinez. The Steelers don’t trust Robinson, as evidenced by his lack of games despite being on the roster all season.
