Report: Cowboys among playoff-contending teams with interest in Shaquille Leonard

The Dallas Cowboys have interest in free agent linebacker Shaquille Leonard, whom the Indianapolis Colts waived Tuesday after six years with the team.

Ed Werder of ESPN noted that Dallas is one of several contending teams likely to pursue the 28-year-old. The Cowboys, despite owning the league’s second-ranked defense, have a hole in the middle of their defense following the season-ending neck injury to Leighton Vander Esch. In addition to being out for the remainder of the season, Vander Esch’s career is in jeopardy.

“We had just completely left it up to how he was evolving, but of course it’s such a very significant loss for us,” owner and general manager Jerry Jones said on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas last Tuesday. “He’s an integral part of that defense out there. We just wish him well, and just the nature of his potential injury here causes me to really think longer term and beyond what it means for next week or beyond what it means for next month. It has everything to do with what’s best in his interest.”

Leonard could serve as a viable replacement for Vander Esch, even if his production this season hasn’t matched his prior form. In nine games, Leonard has recorded 65 tackles (34 solo) and two tackles for loss. Leonard has zero sacks, interceptions and forced fumbles. The three-time first-team All-Pro totaled 15.0 sacks, 12 interceptions and 17 forced fumbles in the five seasons prior.

Shaquille Leonard looking for reset after underwhelming start to 2023 season

His elite production, however, came before the two back surgeries he underwent which limited him to just three games last season. Clearly not the same player he used to be, Leonard’s playing time diminished this season. He was set to be a healthy scratch for the Week 12 home tilt against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6) this Sunday.

Still, Leonard said he was shocked to hear he was being waived.

“It was shocking,” Leonard said Tuesday. “I asked for a November meeting. I guess I got a November meeting. Guess you’ve got to be careful what you ask for.”

Leonard’s lack of splash plays, as well as his hefty price tag, were contributing factors in the team’s decision to move on from him. Leonard inked a five-year, $99 million contract in 2021 scheduled to run through 2026. It includes no guarantees after this season. The move saves the Colts more than $16 million in salary cap space for next season.

“Colts Nation will always remember The Maniac’s palpable energy on the field with each tackle, interception, punchout, and fumble recovery,” Colts owner Jim Irsay said in a statement. “Off the field, he’s a servant leader and assisted numerous families in both his hometown and the Indianapolis community. We’re thankful for Shaq and the contributions he made to our organization. We wish him and his beautiful family the best moving forward.”