FRISCO, TX — The rumor mill is in full swing on Wednesday morning, November 22, after the news broke on Tuesday that the Indianapolis Colts released All-Pro Darius ‘Shaq’ Leonard. The former Defensive Player of the Year can now be claimed off of waivers, and the Dallas Cowboys are in the market for a new linebacker.
Leonard found out from Colts’ defensive coordinator Gus Bradley that he would be inactive following team pictures on Monday. Leonard gave his response in an interview that was posted on X. Watch the interview below:
"That's what I'm most hurt about,'' said Leonard. "I feel like I left (my teammates) out to dry, being a leader in that locker room.
The Cowboys lost a pivotal piece of their dominant defense in Leighton Vander Esch in their Week 5 loss to the 49ers. On November 14, Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones confirmed that Vander Esch will miss the rest of the 2023 season and maybe even longer.
"We had just completely left it up to how he was evolving," Jones said on 105.3 The Fan. "But he's such a significant loss for us. He's an integral part of that defense out there. But we just wish him well. The nature of his potential injury here causes me to really think longer time and beyond what it means for next week or next month, relatively to the team. It has everything to do with his best interest."
Vander Esch’s career may be over, and the Cowboys will need a replacement for his production somewhere. Enter the opportunity to claim Shaq Leonard. The only downside to Dallas claiming him off of waivers is his steep price tag. Leonard will be paid roughly $1 million a week for the rest of this season, and any interested teams would have to pick up a large chunk of his $98 million contract. It is still unclear as to why the Colts decided to cut Leonard this week, but they had been lessening his playing time throughout the season.
Former Colts Linebacker Shaq Leonard
(Credit: colts.com)
The All-Pro linebacker still believes he has more in the tank, and at 28 years old, he could be right. A new franchise and a supplemental role could be just what Leonard needs to get back on his feet. The Cowboys’ defensive scheme changed when they lost Vander Esch, and star linebacker Micah Parsons can no longer rush the opposing passer as frequently as he used to before Vander Esch’s injury.
Leonard is primarily a run-stopper, a role that Parsons has recently taken on. The Cowboys are young at the off-the-ball linebacker position, so a veteran presence could help solidify the defense's middle and allow Parsons to return to primarily rushing the passer.
If no team claims Leonard off of waivers, he would be free to sign with any team he wants afterward.
Dallas next hosts the Washington Commanders on Thanksgiving Day, November 23. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
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