Following an Unexpected Announcement From Jim Irsay’s Colts, What Can Shaquille Leonard Offer to a New Team?

Shaquille Leonard had been asking for a November meeting. And he got one. But the outcome of the meeting and what was discussed, took him by surprise. Leonard was at an Indianapolis Colts Thanksgiving giveaway. After the event was over, the team gathered for a group photo. So far, so good. Then he was called to a meeting by the defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. He came out of the meeting, hurt.

“I asked for a November meeting, guess I got a November meeting. I guess you better be careful what you ask for.” What was this secret meeting about that pained Leonard so much?

A November meeting that didn’t go as expected

@NFLRumors broke the shocking news that Leonard is now getting ready to be available for teams. This move will result in the Colts incurring a potential $27.7 million dead cap hit if no other team in the league picks him up. And this comes as a rude jolt to Colts fans because Leonard had been an excellent player. He is the only player in the league with more than 15 sacks and 12 interceptions under his belt. So, why are the Colts releasing him?

IndyStar reported that Leonard had been pretty vocal in complaining about being given less time on the gridiron field. He recently had a second surgery to correct a nerve tissue, and the Colts didn’t want to take any chances. After the public criticism of the team, chairman and CEO Jim Irsay has decided to waive Leonard.

Read More: Emotional Shaquille Leonard Breaks Silence After Colts Surprise Cut; Jim Irsay Drops Brutally Honest Remarks

Following his departure from the team he played with for almost 6 years, what does he have to offer to prospective teams that might sign him?

What does Leonard bring to the table?

“Walking away with seven games left, it hurts. It hurts,” Leonard told reporters. And indeed, the Colts did not even wait till the end of the season to let him go. His stats are about as good as any player in the team. He has 17 forced fumbles and 614 tackles. He also has 65 combined tackles and 2 tackles for loss in nine games.

Watching a player with such amazing stats be let go, stirred emotions in several Colts fans. Soon after the announcement, his teammate, LB Zaire Franklin wrote on X, “53. Since Day 1 came in and made ya mark. Your legacy is written in stone brudda. Always love gang.” Both players had been selected during the 2018 Draft.

Now, as the six-time Colts player leaves his former team, which franchise will see the potential in him and sign him?

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