Shaquille Leonard Takes a Massive Step Down to Sign $416,000 Eagles Deal, After Bittersweet End to Colts Era

Shaquille Leonard finds a new home after getting released by the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts released the star linebacker on Tuesday. Following his release, Leonard approached the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles. However, Leonard chose to serve the Eagles’ defense. The Eagles boast a record of 10-2 and are the favorites to clinch a Super Bowl victory and revive themselves from their previous season’s Super Bowl defeat.

The three-time All-Pro LB Shaquille Leonard has a celebrated career, but injuries have been a massive roadblock on his path. Subsequently, after being a free agent, Leonard signed a promising deal with the Eagles.

Shaquille Leonard takes a massive step

Field Yates’ Twitter account broke the news of Leonard’s deal with the Eagles. The tweet included details of his deal with the Eagles. Leonard signed a one-year $1.5M deal. However, for the week 15-18, he will receive a distributed amount of $416K.

Yates’ Twitter account wrote, “Shaquille Leonard’s deal with the Eagles: Base salary: $1.5M, with Leonard due the prorated amount of $416K for Weeks 14-18. 53-man per-game bonuses: $16.6K. Playing time incentive: $100K. Of note: Leonard was still due $6.1M guaranteed from the Colts this year after his release.”

Leonard had a celebrated career with the Colts. Since 2018, the year of his entrance into the NFL, Leonard served the Colts till halfway to the 2023 season. And his tenure with the Colts is commendable.

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Leonard gets released by the Colts

In 2018, Leonard was elected as the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. However, his promising career stats include 70 games, 614 tackles, 12 interceptions, 15 sacks, 32 tackles for loss, and 17 forced fumbles. To begin his career with the Colts, Leonard was selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft. However, his promising career was plagued by injuries. In his debut season, Leonard suffered a concussion followed by a fractured nose, and after missing a few games, he suffered a season-ending back injury. 

After getting released by the Colts, Leonard stated, “These past six years has been nothing but incredible! Through the good times and bad time y’all stood by my side. I apologize for not bringing that trophy back to the 317. The energy at Lucas Oil has been nothing but amazing, and I thank you for every memory. I’m thankful to play for such an amazing fan base. I love you guys and wish the Colts nothing but the best!” Now, Leonard has found a new home. Let us know your thoughts on Leonard serving the Eagles.

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