Eagles reach agreement Shaq Leonard, linebacker need filled beating Cowboys

Former Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard signs with the Eagles, providing much-needed reinforcements at off-ball linebacker. Optimized: Colts All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard signs with Eagles, providing much-needed reinforcements at off-ball linebacker.

The Philadelphia Eagles have made a significant move by agreeing to sign former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard. This decision comes after Leonard's visit with the Dallas Cowboys last week. The Colts waived Leonard on Nov. 21, and he has recorded 65 tackles, including two tackles for loss, in nine games this season.

Leonard's addition is expected to bolster the Eagles' off-ball linebacker position, which has been a weak link for the team, as evidenced by their recent loss to the San Francisco 49ers. In that game, quarterback Brock Purdy targeted the middle of the field, where the Eagles' linebackers Nicholas Morrow and Christian Elliss were deployed. Morrow allowed 175 yards across six catches on eight targets, with 151 yards occurring after the catch, while Elliss gave up two receptions on three targets for 33 yards.

The Eagles have struggled with instability at the linebacker position throughout the season under first-year linebackers coach D.J. Eliot. Starter Nakobe Dean is currently on injured reserve for the second time this season with a Lisfranc injury, and Zach Cunningham missed the 49ers game with a hamstring injury.

Despite Leonard's physical passing with the Eagles, he has dealt with various injuries over the past couple of years that have affected his performance and availability. He underwent back surgery to repair a nerve injury ahead of the 2022 season, and after missing the first three games, Leonard suffered a concussion and fractured nose during his season debut. He then had another back surgery that prematurely ended his season.

Coach Nick Sirianni spoke highly of Leonard, expressing his enjoyment of being around him and praising him as a great teammate. With the Eagles, Leonard is expected to provide much-needed depth and experience to the linebacker position, potentially addressing the team's ongoing struggles in that area.