Former Indianapolis Colts star linebacker Shaquille Leonard remains a free agent seeking a new team.
After parting ways with the Colts mid-season in 2023, Leonard briefly joined the Philadelphia Eagles before returning to the open market at the end of the season.
In a recent analysis of one free agent each NFL team should consider signing before training camp, Lorenzo Reyna of Pro Football Network suggested that the Houston Texans should target the former Colts All-Pro linebacker.
“With linebacker depth still a concern, the Texans could make a significant move by bringing in former Pro Bowl competitor Shaquille Leonard. The three-time Pro Bowler could help fill the void left by last season’s top tackler Blake Cashman, who has since moved to the Minnesota Vikings,” Reyna noted.
While seeing Leonard in a Texans uniform would undoubtedly sting for Colts fans, it’s worth noting that his performance has been affected by a recent back and nerve injury, impacting his explosiveness on the field.
Recognizing this decline, the Colts made the tough decision to release Leonard, a move that has proven prudent despite its difficulty.
Should Leonard regain his physical form, he could be a valuable addition for any team seeking to bolster its linebacker corps. However, potential suitors must weigh the risk based on Leonard’s recent tape from the 2023 season.