Eagles beat Cowboys, Shaq Leonard picks Eagles

With an eye on improving depth and adding experience and a proven track record, the Eagles signed linebacker Shaquille Leonard to a one-year contract on Monday.

Leonard joins a linebacker corps that has been challenged by injuries: Nakobe Dean is on Injured Reserve with a foot injury and Zach Cunningham missed Sunday's game against the 49ers because of a hamstring injury. The Eagles have three off-ball linebackers on their active roster – Christian Elliss, Nicholas Morrow, and Ben VanSumeren.

The four-time All-Pro linebacker flew in from Indianapolis to meet with the Cowboys and things went very well during the visit, per the team's front office and coaching staff. And while Dallas went on to win a shootout against the Seattle Seahawks to move to 9-3 on the season and a four-game win streak, the Eagles suffered a humiliating blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Philadelphia.

One day later, Leonard is joining the latter.

Leonard, 28, is a former second-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts (2018) who wasted no time whatsoever in putting his imprint on the league. The native of South Carolina made his way to the NFL by way of a decorated collegiate career at South Carolina State, earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors in his first year with the Colts as well as being named a First-Team All-Pro, a Pro Bowler and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Leonard joined left guard Quenton Nelson as the first rookie teammates to be selected first team All-Pros since Hall of Famers Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers (Bears) in 1965.

It was only the start.

Leonard made three All-Pro teams and three Pro Bowls in his first four seasons, becoming one of the league's most feared defenders.

He was rewarded in 2021 with a five-year contract extension worth $99.25 million, which made him the NFL's highest-paid off-the-ball linebacker. He was best known for his ability to chase down opponents and his penchant for creating turnovers.

For the Eagles, it's a low-risk signing by general manager Howie Roseman sure to be lauded, as Leonard's salary is on the Indy books after he cleared waivers. Thus, they get a low-cost addition with an all-star ceiling.

Leonard's bound for his second NFL squad, looking to reclaim his All-Pro form and help the Eagles fulfill their high 2023 expectations

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Sarah H

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