Shaq Leonard, the Eagles’ playmaker, should slot right into the middle of the defense.
The Philadelphia Eagles appear to have it all: a young franchise quarterback, a dynamic wide receiver duo, and a defense that can shut down opponents on all levels. That doesn’t mean the team isn’t working hard to improve.
Linebacker Nakobe Dean was recently lost to a Lisfranc injury for the Eagles. Dean had been the team’s starting middle linebacker, and the Eagles didn’t have much depth there.
Fortunately for the Eagles, Shaq Leonard was recently released by the Indianapolis Colts. While visiting the Dallas Cowboys, the linebacker ultimately decided to sign with the Eagles. Here’s how the move will help them keep their defense near the top of the league.
Shaq Leonard was a Colts standout.
After scouting the South Carolina State star ahead of the 2018 draft, the Colts selected Shaq Leonard with the 36th overall pick. He wasn’t a household name outside of draftniks because he played at a smaller college, but he made his presence known right away.
Leonard led the NFL in tackles with 163 in his rookie season, earning him Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Despite being overlooked for the Pro Bowl, Leonard was named a First-Team All-Pro.
Leonard’s high-level play would continue. In 2019, he was named to the Second Team All-Pro, and he returned to the First Team in 2020 and 2021. He was also selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his three seasons.
Leonard’s 2022 season was a washout because he missed the first half of the season recovering from offseason back surgery. Leonard returned with a broken nose and a concussion, resulting in more missed time. The linebacker was placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season after suffering a setback with his previous back injury.
Leonard hoped to return to being a force on the field in 2023. The Colts, on the other hand, limited his playing time. Leonard and the team mutually agreed to part ways, making him a free agent. On December 4, he chose to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers.
For years, he’s been one of the league’s best playmaking linebackers.
Leonard makes an incredible number of tackles. In 2018, he led the league in combined tackles, finished 17th in 2019, ninth in 2020, and 19th in 2021. However, his game is much more than just tackles.
Early in his career, the linebacker demonstrated pass-rush ability, tallying seven sacks in 2018, five in 2019, and three in 2020. He hasn’t had a sack since. The Eagles, on the other hand, already have a dominant front seven, which could allow Leonard to return to attacking the quarterback.
Sometimes players end up on defense because they can’t catch the ball well, but Leonard isn’t one of them. He has amassed impressive interception totals for a linebacker, totaling 12 in his career. His career high came in 2019, when he intercepted five passes.
The 28-year-old is also adept at jarring the ball free from runners. With eight forced fumbles during the 2021 season, he led the NFL. Leonard has forced 17 fumbles and recovered seven in his NFL career.
The Eagles desperately need an inside linebacker like Leonard.
The Eagles selected Georgia All-American Nakobe Dean in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He mostly played special teams as a rookie, but he took over as the team’s starting middle linebacker this season. As previously stated, it was his foot injury that allowed the Eagles to sign Leonard.
With his new team, the Eagles’ new addition is likely to rack up massive tackle totals. Jordan Davis, Fletcher Cox, and Jalen Carter are three outstanding defensive tackles on the Philadelphia Eagles. And with that trio causing so much damage on the inside, Leonard’s job will largely consist of cleaning up.
The Eagles’ secondary is also strong, with cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry, as well as safeties Reed Blankenship and Kevin Byard. Their ability to cover will allow Leonard to roam the middle of the field, giving him plenty of chances to pick off passes and sack quarterbacks.
Leonard’s background should enable him to be productive quickly.
Leonard had many teams to choose from, but the two finalists were Dallas and Philadelphia. The linebacker stated that his relationship with Nick Sirianni played a significant role in his decision. Sirianni was the Colts’ offensive coordinator for three years prior to joining the Eagles, so he is well acquainted with Leonard.
Here’s what the Eagles’ head coach had to say about his new linebacker recently:
With Dean out indefinitely, Leonard will have the opportunity to enter the starting lineup very quickly, possibly as soon as Sunday night when the Philadelphia Eagles face the Dallas Cowboys.
The Eagles are a Super Bowl contender, which was most likely a factor in his decision. Leonard only adds to the team’s strength as long as he stays healthy.
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