The Minnesota Vikings have done a great job of keeping their season alive over the last few weeks. Despite facing some obstacles, such as being without their two most important players offensively, wide receiver Justin Jefferson and quarterback Kirk Cousins, the team has found ways to win games.
Prior to their loss in Week 11 to the Denver Broncos, the Vikings were riding a five-game winning streak. They will be looking to start a new one this week when they face off against their NFC North rivals, the Chicago Bears.
While their roster is set for that game, the Vikings are keeping an eye on potential additions they could make for the stretch run of the season. According to Diana Russini of The Athletic, Minnesota is among the NFC playoff contenders that are considering the possibility of signing recently released linebacker, Shaquille Leonard.
“Leonard spent the last few seasons in Indy after signing a five-year, $98.25 million contract extension in 2021, but then injuries held him back. Now teams still in contention like the Eagles, Cowboys, Vikings and others are ‘collecting information’ on him. A league source said Leonard may take his time making a decision,” wrote Russini.
Leonard, the 2018 Defensive Rookie of the Year Award winner and three-time First-Team All-Pro was shockingly released by the Indianapolis Colts last week. Leonard had seen his playing time cut back drastically in 2023 as he was working his way back from numerous injuries that derailed his 2022 campaign.
A game-changing playmaker, Leonard quickly cemented his standing among the best linebackers in the NFL. In his first four seasons in the NFL, Leonard racked up 15.0 sacks, 17 forced fumbles, 11 interceptions and at least 121 combined tackles in each campaign.
Before having to undergo two back surgeries last season, Leonard was on a Hall of Fame trajectory in the opinion of some. A change of scenery could be exactly what he needs to get things back on track, as Leonard’s role changed in 2023 and he was not shy about voicing his frustrations.
The Vikings could certainly use a player of Leonard’s caliber on their defense. The system that defensive coordinator Brian Flores runs would be an ideal fit for him as he could get back to rushing the passer more regularly than he was with the Colts this season.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
