JUST-IN: Vikings Eyeing $98 Million All-Pro Ahead of Playoffs

The Minnesota Vikings are exploring all options to bolster their team heading into the regular season finale, and that includes signing All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard.

The Athletics’ Diana Russini reported Thursday, Nov. 23, that the Vikings are one of three NFC playoff contenders considering signing the three-time All-Pro, who was released by the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday. Leonard spent the last few seasons in Indy after signing a five-year, $98.25 million contract extension through 2021, but was hampered by injuries. Now teams still in contention, including the Eagles, Cowboys and Vikings, are “gathering information on him,” Russini wrote. “League sources say it may take some time for Leonard to make a decision.”

Shaquille Leonard’s feud with the Colts could lead to a fresh start

Leonard, the 2018 Defensive Player of the Year, set the franchise single-season rushing record that season. He’s an instinctive tackler and secondary pleader who has earned three All-Pro nominations in his first four years in the league. He recorded 15.0 sacks and 26 tackles for loss over his first three seasons.

Leonard started 68 of 70 games for the Colts over six seasons. He left Indianapolis with 614 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 20 quarterback hits, 15 sacks, 17 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries. He also had 31 pass breakups and 12 interceptions in 2019, including six picks. The athletic Leonard was a Hall of Famer last season before undergoing two back surgeries and playing in just three games.

Since his return, Leonard has played a smaller role in the Colts’ defense. “This year is different than last year,” Leonard told IndyStar earlier this month. “Either I give the ball back to Zaire or throw it somewhere safe. “I’m not as loose in defense as I used to be,” he said.

The 28-year-old didn’t take advantage of the opportunities his former defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus gave him. According to Pro Football Focus, Leonard has averaged 59.8 rushers per season through the 2021 season. Under new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, Leonard recorded nine rushing yards on 454 defensive snaps.

Leonard’s frustration with his usage and playing time has been evident throughout the season, but he appeared at a charity event just hours after being released from the team. Leonard spoke to the media at a charity event on Tuesday. The manager said he met with the coaching staff on Monday and was told he would be out of action. The team waived him on Tuesday,” James Boyd of The Athletic reported. “Leonard said he’s not thinking about retirement and wants to keep playing. “I don’t rule out the possibility of playing for another team this season,” he said.

Leonard will provide plenty of work for Bryan Flores’ defense as he gets a fresh start in a Vikings organization that was ranked No. 1 in the NFL Players Association Poll last summer.

Vikings looking for answers after losing LB Jordan Hicks.

Minnesota investigating Leonard makes sense after the Vikings lost veteran linebacker Jordan Hicks to injured reserve last week. During Minnesota’s Week 10 win against the New Orleans Saints, Hicks suffered a foot contusion that turned into a sprained right foot. He underwent surgery and was placed on injured reserve on November 14. The Vikings return longtime fan favorite linebacker Anthony Barr, who saw limited action in last Sunday’s loss to the Denver Broncos.

Leonard could be a nice addition to the defense and could be on a cheap contract for the rest of the 2023 season.