The Philadelphia Eagles got themselves a big statement win on Monday when they defeated the defending world champion Kansas City Chiefs 21-17 in a rematch of last season’s Super Bowl. They got it done largely with defense, as they held Patrick Mahomes and company scoreless after halftime while forcing Mahomes into a very un-Mahomes-like game, as he completed only 24 of 43 pass attempts for 177 yards.
With a 9-1 record, the Eagles are considered by a growing number of fans and observers to be the best team in the NFL, at least at the moment. But if they do have a bald spot in their green feathers, it’s their pass defense, which ranks 28th in yards allowed and 31st in touchdowns allowed.
While they have some defensive studs up front in Josh Sweat and Hasson Reddick, as well as capable cornerbacks in James Bradberry and Darius Slay, they could use another productive linebacker. Fortunately for these hungry birds from Philly, there could be one available on the market.
On Tuesday, the Indianapolis Colts waived star linebacker Shaquille Leonard, a move that was surprising to some. Assuming he clears waivers, he’ll be able to sign with whichever team he wants.
NFL News & Rumors: Shaquille Leonard, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts Updates
Matt Lombardo of FanBuzz feels the Eagles could be a great candidate to swoop up Leonard.
“Few teams, or general managers, are as bold and aggressive as Howie Roseman and the Eagles,” wrote Lombardo. “If Leonard clears waivers, expect Roseman and the Eagles to be in the mix.
“Just this season, Roseman acquired veteran safety Kevin Byard, in a trade with the Tennessee Titans, inked veteran wide receiver Julio Jones to a deal, and Philadelphia consistently seems to be in the mix whenever top talent becomes available. If the Eagles have one spot defensively where they are a bit banged up and a little thin, it would be at linebacker. Leonard has a reputation for being a magnet to the football, and could elevate Philadelphia’s defense while adding another veteran voice to a largely youthful front-seven.”
A second-round draft pick in 2018, Leonard made the Pro Bowl three straight times from 2019 to 2021 and was named to the All-Pro First Team in 2018, 2020 and 2021. He was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year for posting 7.0 sacks, eight passes defended, 12 tackles for loss and eight quarterback hits while leading the NFL in combined and solo tackles.
He had back surgery prior to the 2022 season, and he has played in just 12 games since then while not looking like quite the same player he was before. He was reportedly unhappy about Colts head coach Shane Steichen and Steichen’s staff limiting his playing time over the last season or two.
If Leonard came to Philly, perhaps his role would be a little more narrowly defined, but if he would get onto the field for a large number of snaps while playing for Nick Sirianni, perhaps he could help the team win its first Super Bowl championship with Jalen Hurts at quarterback.
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