Eagles sign All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard to one-year deal: reports

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The Philadelphia Eagles have added more firepower to their defense, as they’ve reportedly agreed to a one-year contract with three-time All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard on Monday. 

Leonard was released by the Indianapolis Colts in a move he called "shocking" last month. He has since been on visits to teams, and one of them was the Eagles. 

The other team was the Dallas Cowboys, which the Eagles have on their schedule for Week 14. 

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Shaquille Leonard of the Indianapolis Colts during the Panthers game at Bank of America Stadium on Nov. 5, 2023, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Leonard’s release comes as his role with the team diminished due to the lack of explosiveness and production the Colts saw this season. He underwent two back surgeries in 2022 to address nerve issues, which were impacting his lower body. 

As he continued to recover this season, Leonard saw his playing time slip more and more by the week. He played 70% of defensive snaps in nine games this season, which is by far his lowest mark. The next closest was 93% in 2020. 

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The 28-year-old Leonard has 65 tackles, two for loss, in nine games this season. 

It will be interesting to see how the Eagles utilize Leonard on its defense, which is filled with playmakers. Philadelphia has Zach Cunningham, Nicholas Morrow, Haason Reddick and others at linebacker, all of whom have played well this season. 

Shaquille Leonard of the Colts on the field before the Houston Texans game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Jan. 8, 2023, in