Cowboys will host former Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard

Indianapolis, Indiana – Shaquille Leonard, a former linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts, will make an appearance at the Dallas Cowboys a few days after his unexpected release from the Colts.

According to an NFL Insider Tom Pelissero report, Leonard is expected to visit the Cowboys on Tuesday; if things go according to plan, he may decide to remain in Dallas.

According to the source, the Cowboys might gain from Leonard in terms of both play and money because of their depleted linebacker corps following the loss of Leighton Vander Esch earlier in November.

The Colts chose the four-time All-Pro in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He participated in 70 games during his career and was dubbed “The Maniac” for his amazing ball-hawking skills. The 2018 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award went to him as well.

Leonard had back surgery prior to the 2022 season because he had many injuries at the start of the previous one.

Pelissero reports that although Leonard has started nine games for the Colts in the 2023 campaign, he has been irate due to a new coaching staff’s lack of playing time.

Leonard praised the team and Indianapolis in a post on X after being released on Tuesday.

“Indy, I want to thank you for accepting me and my family with open arms. These past 6 years has been nothing but incredible!” Leonard said in the post. “Through the good times and the bad times, y’all stood by my side. I apologize for not bringing that trophy back to the 317. The energy in Lucas Oil has been nothing but amazing and I thank you for every memory.”

Leonard wished the Colts “nothing but the best” and tweeted his love at the end of his message.