Vikings ‘Gathering Data’ on Former Colts LB Shaq Leonard.
The former linebacker for the Colts is now a free agent and has alternatives, per numerous league sources, after clearing waivers on Wednesday. After agreeing to a five-year, $98.25 million contract extension in 2021, Leonard played his final few seasons in Indianapolis, but injuries sidelined him. The Eagles, Cowboys, Vikings, and other teams that are still in the running are “gathering information” about him. According to a league source, Leonard might deliberate before deciding.
In the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the Colts selected Leonard out of South Carolina State. After recording 163 tackles, seven sacks, eight passes defended, four forced fumbles, and two picks in his rookie season, he was named to the first team of the All-Pro team and was named the defensive rookie of the year.
Leonard was only the 14th player in history to have five interceptions and five sacks in a single season the following year. Throughout his first four seasons, he was an All-Pro and was selected to three first teams.
However, Leonard only participated in three games in 2022 due to repeated back operations, having played in 58 games in his first four seasons. He started all nine of the Colts’ games this season, but he wasn’t playing full-time snaps lately, which left him vocally angry.
Although Leonard isn’t the same performer as he was between 2018 and 21, he is still a skilled and seasoned linebacker. Because of his deal and the headaches he was giving the Colts, the team felt compelled to cut him loose.
He may seem like a help to the Vikings. Jordan Hicks will be out for at least three more games, if not longer. Leonard would become a member of a linebacker room that presently has Anthony Barr, Troy Dye, and Ivan Pace Jr. as its top three choices.