Getty Image / Perry Knotts
The Philadelphia Eagles defense was absolutely shredded on Sunday, giving up 456 yards en route to a 42-19 loss in an NFC Championship Game rematch. But, they’ve made a move to shore up that unit down the stretch as they try to get back to the Super Bowl for a second-straight year.
That player would be former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaq Leonard. He was released last month by the Colts, and has landed with the Eagles as they look to shore up their linebacker unit.
Transaction alert: LB Shaq Leonard to sign with the Eagles, per @Schultz_Report.
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) December 4, 2023
Leonard was an absolute superstar from the jump in Indianapolis after being taken in the 2nd round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year following a monster 163 tackle season. And, he followed that up with three more All-Pro seasons from 2019-2021, meaning he made the All-Pro team four seasons in a row. That’s incredibly impressive, and he had the makings of a Hall of Fame career.
But, an injury-plagued 2022 season ruined the All-Pro streak, and while he put up good raw numbers in 2023, he had clearly lost a step and was a huge liability in space in pass defense. Leonard was unhappy with being taken off the field on passing downs, and that discontent partially led to his release.
As for the Eagles, the back seven of that defense is a huge question mark. If the team doesn’t get back to the Super Bowl, that will almost certainly be the reason why. Linebacker Nick Morrow was repeatedly picked on by the 49ers, and the tackling was abysmal all day. Yes, they’re 10-2 and control their destiny for home field advantage. But, linebackers are key against the 49ers, and general manager Howie Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianni are hoping that Shaq Leonard fixes some of their issues.