Shaquille Leonard, an All-Pro LB, is waived by the Colts. NFL waives All-Pro linebacker Unexpected move from Shaquille Leonard.
Linebacker Shaquille Leonard was given the unexpected news on Tuesday that he was being dismissed by the Indianapolis Colts, one day after learning he would be benched.
Sixth-year player Leonard, a three-time first-team All-Pro selection, said the message really got to him. At a church on the west side of Indianapolis on Tuesday night, Leonard and his teammates gave 200 Thanksgiving turkeys and sides. “It was shocking,” Leonard remarked. “I requested a meeting in November. I believe I have a meeting in November. I suppose you should exercise caution while making requests.”
Recently, Leonard and his coaches had been in frequent contact with his decreasing role within the Colts’ defense. His two back surgeries last season to treat nerve problems that were affecting his lower body and restricting his explosiveness had made it a hot topic of conversation.
Although Leonard’s playing time had fluctuated while he was recovering, the coaches assured him that they would keep an eye on the matter as the season went on. However, Leonard’s play came under closer scrutiny following a lackluster showing in the Colts’ most recent game, which took place two weeks ago. Gus Bradley, the defensive coordinator for the Colts, informed Leonard that he would not be playing on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, instead of giving him more playing time. A source said that it was probably going to remain that way for the remainder of the season.
When asked what had changed between Monday and Tuesday, Leonard replied he wasn’t sure, but he did leave open the idea that the team’s choice had been influenced by his protestations over his small role. He has expressed his discontent with his playing time to reporters several times in the past few weeks. Leonard was splitting reps on the early downs and has been sidelined on third downs.
Two weeks ago, he rhetorically questioned, “You’re already not playing on third [down], you’re taking the reps on second down, too?”
“I always say that they say [complaints] are OK until you step on toes,” Leonard stated on Tuesday. I still stand by what I said two weeks ago. I’m not sure if that was a factor. Do I believe it has any bearing at all? Yes, since it can appear to them as a diversion. However, I made an effort to answer in a kind manner.”
For a while now, the group had been debating what to do with Leonard. One club insider told ESPN last week in response to a question regarding the upcoming actions, saying, “We will do what is best for the team at the end of the day.”
It was actually hard to see Leonard spending the remainder of the season passively standing on the sidelines. It’s unclear if the Colts had concerns about Leonard’s capacity to handle the downgrade, but even he acknowledges that his brash nature might be difficult to manage. “Everybody doesn’t understand my drive,” he stated. “Nobody realizes how fiercely competitive I am. It’s awesome. No animosity exists.”
Alongside middle linebacker Zaire Franklin, fifth-year athlete E.J. Speed is anticipated to assume the starting position at weakside linebacker. Speed and Leonard had been dividing reps.
This was the way things had been going for some time. According to Bradley’s public statements, the Colts were hoping for more big plays from Leonard. They had also been looking for ways to increase Speed’s playing time. Then, Leonard did not see a boost in playing time during a recent game versus Carolina due to an injured Franklin. Surprisingly, the Colts used backup Segun Olubi to take over.
Defensive Rookie of the Year and second-round selection in 2018, Leonard will be known for his clutch playmaking, which was his specialty prior to his injury. He was an All-Pro on the first team in 2020, 2021, and 2018.
He recorded 32 tackles for losses, 31 passes defensed, 12 interceptions, 17 forced fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries in 70 games with Indianapolis.
Colts owner Jim Irsay stated in a statement, “Colts Nation will always remember The Maniac’s palpable energy on the field with each tackle, interception, punchout, and fumble recovery.” “As a servant leader off the field, he has helped many families in his hometown and the Indianapolis area. Shaq’s contributions to our company are much appreciated. We’re hoping for the best going forward for him and his lovely family.”
Chris Ballard, general manager, continued, “Shaq is the ultimate competitor.”Despite being a vested veteran, Leonard must clear waivers in order to become a free agency because the trade deadline has passed. Although the remaining portion of his base income of $15.7 million for 2023 is certain, there are important future clauses in his contract.
In 2021, Leonard agreed to a five-year, $99 million contract. Although the agreement was meant to last until 2026, there are no assurances after this season. Leonard would have had a cap number of $20.1 million in 2024; by releasing him, the Colts will have saved more than $16 million in salary cap space. On Leonard’s contract, there were still over $50 million in unpaid balances from 2024 to 2026.