In a stunning move, the Indianapolis Colts waived linebacker Shaquille Leonard, the team announced on Tuesday.
Leonard's release comes less than two seasons after the 28-year-old's last All-Pro campaign. A second-round pick in 2018, Leonard earned a first-team All-Pro berth in three of his first four NFL seasons. However, he hasn't been able to replicate that production lately.
Leonard, who appeared in only three games in 2022, underwent multiple back surgeries last year and hasn't been a three-down defender this season. The former Defensive Rookie of the Year recently expressed frustration with his reduced role, adding that the Colts "say I don't make enough splash plays."
The South Carolina State product thanked Colts fans on Tuesday.
"These past six years (have) been nothing but incredible," he wrote.
Indy, I thank you 💜 pic.twitter.com/VxMa1VU2IA
— Darius Shaquille Leonard (@dsleon45) November 21, 2023
Leonard took the NFL by storm and averaged 134 tackles (seven for loss), eight pass breakups, four forced fumbles, four sacks, and three interceptions per season from 2018-2021. The three-time Pro Bowler - who played at least 93% of Indy's defensive snaps each year in that span - also paced the NFL with 163 tackles as a rookie and forced a league-leading eight fumbles in 2021.
In nine games with the Colts in 2023, Leonard racked up 65 tackles (two for loss) and didn't force any turnovers while playing 70% of the snaps defensively.
Leonard was signed through the 2026 season after inking a five-year, $98.5-million extension with Indianapolis in August 2021. It'd cost $6.1 million in base salary for the rest of the 2023 campaign for a team to claim him off waivers, notes Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. He also has $6.5 million guaranteed for injury in 2024.
Colts owner Jim Irsay praised Leonard on social media.
"Colts Nation will always remember The Maniac's palpable energy on the field with each tackle, interception, punchout, and fumble recovery," Irsay wrote. "Off the field, he's a servant leader and assisted numerous families in both his hometown and the Indianapolis community. We're thankful for Shaq and the contributions he made to our organization."
With Leonard out of the roster, the Colts will likely continue to rely on Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed at linebacker.
