Shaq Leonard to Visit Cowboys; Signing 'Interest, Definitely' Confirmed by Dallas Coach Mike McCarthy

Shaq Leonard to Visit Cowboys; Signing 'Interest, Definitely' Confirmed by Dallas Coach Mike McCarthy

FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys have inched one step closer to a serious pursuit of the signing of free agent linebacker Shaquille Leonard with a public pronouncement from head coach Mike McCarthy that "America's Team'' is "definitely interested'' in acquiring the free agent standout.

“I don’t have anything to report on Shaq,'' McCarthy said on Sunday from here at The Star, first attempting to tamp down the hype before adding, "but yes, definitely, there's interest.''

This is a confirmation of what CowboysSI.com reported last Tuesday, when upon Leonard's "shocking'' release from the Indianapolis Colts, we reported that Dallas expected Leonard (due to his bloated contract) to pass through waivers (which he did) and that once that happened, Dallas would explore the idea of making a bid (which is happening now … complete with hints that Leonard has scheduled a Tuesday trip to Frisco.)

Later in the week, a source told CowboysSI.com that the "recruiting process'' was underway, an idea that served as a reaffirmation of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones saying that the team had reached out to "make contact'' with Leonard, 28, who was a three-time All-Pro at the start of his career but who is now viewed as a run-stopping helper and a locker room leader.

Source: Cowboys ‘Recruiting’ Shaq Begins with Phone Call

On Sunday, Leonard was still in Indianapolis and was in attendance - in a suite, not on the sideline - at Lucas Oil Stadium to watch his former teammates in their win over the Buccaneers on Sunday.

It has been speculated that the Philadelphia Eagles, the Minnesota Vikings and the Buffalo Bills might be other playoff-contending teams who could be in on chasing Leonard. But that is speculation.

The Cowboys' interest? It was fact all the way back to Tuesday. And now with McCarthy having confirmed that he’s on the team’s radar, it's an open secret ... with the opening of bidding about to commence.