3 Former Eagles Still Unemployed as OTAs Arrive

1. Shaquille Leonard, LB

After the Indianapolis Colts released Shaq Leonard during the 2023 season, two teams were trying to lure him to their franchise. The Eagles were in a race with the Dallas Cowboys and each needed a shot in the arm at linebacker. 

Dallas owner Jerry Jones reportedly pulled out all the stops but it wasn’t enough. Leonard chose the Eagles due in part to his familiarity with Nick Sirianni from their Indy days.

It didn’t take long to see Philly didn’t really “win” a sweepstake as they thought. Leonard, who was once one of the premier defenders in the entire NFL looked slow and was unable to make the plays he once did. In five games he had 23 tackles and one sack but never truly made an impact.

Leonard has had two back surgeries during his career and while he has tried to prove he’s healthy, he’s simply not the player he was when he had 163 tackles and seven sacks as a rookie. 

Not only are the Eagles showing no interest in bringing him back but it wouldn’t be a surprise if no other teams offered him a deal either. It’s a sad reality in the NFL but players often give it their all but then can’t find a place to play when the injuries mount.

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