Cowboys Get Good News on Chances to Land 3-Time Pro Bowler
Cowboys get good news on three pro careers.
The Dallas Cowboys are rumored to be interested in Darius Shaquille Leonard.
Dallas Cowboys rumors have linked the franchise to recently released star quarterback Darius Shaquille Leonard. One of the biggest obstacles to Leonard joining the Cowboys was his five-year, $98.5 million contract.
If Dallas claims Leonard, the team will be on the hook for the remainder of the contract with the three-time Pro Bowler, who signed with the Colts. The Cowboys didn’t just take Leonard, they took the entire NFL.
That’s good news for Dallas, who now have the option to sign Leonard to a new contract on their own terms (if it’s mutually beneficial). ESPN’s Ed Werder reports that the Cowboys are interested in signing Leonard, but they won’t be the only team chasing the veteran.
“Heard the Cowboys are showing interest in Shaq Leonard,” Werder wrote on Nov. 22, 2023. “But other teams that make the playoffs may also be after quarterbacks. The Cowboys defense remains a vulnerability, a vulnerability compounded by the loss of Leighton Vander Esch late in the season.
Cowboy rumors: Dallas competes with Philadelphia for Darius Shaquille Leonard
The Cowboys will likely have a familiar ally in their pursuit of Leonard. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Eagles and Cowboys are among the top contenders for the star.
“Colts cleared three-time All-Pro LB Darius Shaquille Leonard off waivers today, per source,” Schefter said in a Nov. 22 tweet. “He is now a free agent. Some teams showing interest include the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys.
Shaq Leonard could mean a lot to the Dallas Cowboys after losing Leighton Vander Esch for the season.
Adding Leonard makes a lot of sense for Dallas, who lost Leighton Vander Esch in the offseason. The linebacker might not play at a Pro Bowl level, but he could be a valuable addition to the Cowboys defense.
Pro Football Focus’ John Owning tweeted: “Even without being on the field, I think Shaquille Leonard’s mentorship/leadership of Damon Clark and Marquez Bell will have a huge positive impact from a POV.” “Leonard could be a great mentor to the smaller LBs in today’s NFL.”
NFL Rumors: Dallas Cowboys Target Darius Shaq Leonard. A decision is expected to take “several days”
Before his release, Leonard played 65 snaps in nine starts for the Colts this season. Leonard is two seasons into 2021, recording 122 tackles, eight forced fumbles, eight pass deflections, four interceptions and three fumble recoveries in 16 starts. That campaign earned Leonard All-Pro and Pro Bowl nominations. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Leonard “will probably take a few days to make a decision.”
“Colts LB Shaq Leonard cleared waivers and is officially a free agent,” Rapoport tweeted on Nov. 22. “Indy has $6.1 million left on his contract and the former All-Pro could sign anywhere. It could take him a few days to make a decision.”
Ultimately, it will be interesting to see how aggressive the Cowboys are in their pursuit of Leonard. After completing a trade at the deadline, Dallas will have another opportunity to acquire a high-profile player.
