Shaquille Leonard was once a sigil of the Indianapolis Colts’ ability to develop stars through the NFL Draft. Now he’s a pending free agent.
The four-time All-Pro was released Tuesday, just two years after signing a five-year, $98 million contract extension that was supposed to make him the centerpiece of a rising defense for years to come. While that gave way to another stellar season in 2021, Leonard’s 2022 was cut down to three games due to injury. He hadn’t looked the same upon his 2023 return and ceded snaps to Zaire Franklin in the middle of the Indianapolis defense.
That led to the surprise release, which will accelerate $19.7 million in dead money onto the team’s salary cap for 2023, per Over the Cap. Leonard took to Twitter Tuesday afternoon to express his graditude to Colts fans.
Indy, I thank you 💜 pic.twitter.com/VxMa1VU2IA
— Darius Shaquille Leonard (@dsleon45) November 21, 2023
While foreshadowed by a lack of playing time — his snap share had decreased from 98 percent in 2021 to 70 percent this season — the move was still a surprise to many. Here’s how fans and analysts reacted.
Tough business.. 💙 pic.twitter.com/fb2XcdmegD
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) November 21, 2023
Idk if Shaq Leonard is the same player as he was a few years ago, but he would be a big upgrade for a lot of LB groups
— JP Acosta (@acosta32_jp) November 21, 2023
Can never rule out a contender maybe working with the contract a bit once they acquire Leonard, but this is very tough to absorb
Interesting year between the Colts and Leonard/Taylor’s reps to say the least https://t.co/Vvg6CnuCMv
— Brad Spielberger, Esq. (@PFF_Brad) November 21, 2023
Leonard appears set to clear waivers and become a free agent. Can help a contending team. https://t.co/73vPWzfyKl
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 21, 2023
Leonard is subject to waivers so he doesn’t get to choose where he lands. A bit tricky because you have to imagine he wants full playing time — adding him into a subpackage role may not give him what he wants https://t.co/6ffApszH3B
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) November 21, 2023
I poked around in recent days asking how the Colts would handle the Shaquille Leonard situation, which was clearly reaching a critical point.
One response: "We will do what is best for the team at the end of the day."
I had NO idea this is what that meant. Wow.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) November 21, 2023
Shaquille Leonard release is a bit shocking but it makes sense if you only look at this year of play.
He just simply doesn’t move like he used to
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) November 21, 2023
Whelp, Howie go get em
— PhillyForever (9-1) (@PhillyForever09) November 21, 2023
I’m a ravens fan, but why??
— Quan 🐦⬛ (@QuanVSQuan) November 21, 2023
Darius Leonard?? AB is on the phone NOW #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/5p8jrNm4bX
— Big Mike (@big_mike9169) November 21, 2023
if the eagles claim darius leonard i’m done watching NFL football.
— Kyron Samuels (@kyronsamuels) November 21, 2023
Shaq Leonard isn't getting claimed. No one is taking on that contract.
SO before you ask, no, it makes almost no sense for the Bills if/when he clears waivers. You'll get Matt Milano back and Terrell Bernard is a bona fide STUD. It's possible Leonard is willing to play with a…
— Nate Geary (@NateGearySports) November 21, 2023
The Eagles when they hear Shaq Leonard was released: pic.twitter.com/awRYhtbSGT
— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) November 21, 2023
Darius Leonard and Anthony Walker Jr. have a known relationship from their time with the Colts.
AWalk is week-to-week. Browns have a roster spot after placing Rodney McLeod on the IR.
Andrew Berry has Colts connections… pic.twitter.com/HFpK3CLeNc
— Nick Pedone (@NickPedone12) November 21, 2023
I am going to assume Shaq Leonard asked for his release (which was a foregone conclusion at the end of the season, imo).
It's a tough end for a guy who was an incredible story and player. Hope he can find a second wind elsewhere.
— Derek Schultz (@Schultz975) November 21, 2023
