Eagles sign LB Shaquille Leonard — get help in a position where they need it

The Eagles really need help at the linebacker position, and they are getting it.

The Eagles announced they are signing three-time All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard on Monday to support what was the most vulnerable position on the roster.

Leonard was released by the Indianapolis Colts recently after he dropped in their pecking order. After he cleared waivers, he was free to sign with any team in the NFL. He ultimately decided to join the Eagles.

The 28-year-old may not be the player he was during his prime back in Indianapolis but the veteran should be able to help the Eagles’ defense the rest of the 2023 season.

From 2018-2021, Leonard was one of the best linebackers and overall defensive players in the NFL. During those four years, Leonard had 15 sacks, 17 forced fumbles, 12 interceptions, 31 pass breakups, 32 tackles for loss, and 343 solo tackles. He was a three-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro during that stretch. But Leonard played just three games in 2022 because of injury. Leonard had back surgery that offseason, suffered a concussion in the season opener, and then re-injured his back. This season, Leonard has not looked like that All-Pro version and his playtime began to decline until he was waived a few weeks ago.

The Eagles began this season with Nakobe Dean and Zach Cunningham as their starting linebackers. However, Dean has missed most of the season and is on injured reserve again after having foot surgery. Cunningham also has injury issues as he suffered a hamstring injury against the Buffalo Bills and missed the San Francisco 49ers game on Sunday.

Against the 49ers, the Eagles started Nicholas Morrow and Christian Elliss and it did not go well. They attacked both of them and it was disastrous for the Birds.

The Eagles needed some outside help. This became clear in Sunday’s 42-19 beatdown.

Thankfully, Leonard chose to sign with Philadelphia, rather than the rival Dallas Cowboys, who was his other option. After visiting the Cowboys last week, Leonard visited the NovaCare Complex a day later. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni knows Leonard well from their days together in Indianapolis.

The Cowboys made a strong push for Leonard and both teams were able to sell the Super Bowl, but ultimately, the Eagles ended up with the linebacker.

The Eagles will play the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Sunday Night Football this week, and they will be thrilled to have Leonard on their side.

Sirianni was the offensive coordinator in Indianapolis for the first three seasons of Leonard’s career. And after Sirianni’s brutal introductory press conference with the Eagles in 2021, Leonard took to social media to defend him.

Do not expect Leonard to return to his All-Pro peak. It probably is inconceivable. However, he should help in a position where the Eagles desperately need it, and that is most valuable.