Inside The Vikings

Vikings Reportedly 'Collecting Information' on Ex-Colts LB Shaq Leonard

Leonard was recently released by the Colts.
Will Ragatz|
Vikings Reportedly 'Collecting Information' on Ex-Colts LB Shaq Leonard
Vikings Reportedly 'Collecting Information' on Ex-Colts LB Shaq Leonard

In this story:

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are "collecting information" on recently-released free agent linebacker Shaq Leonard, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini. The Eagles and Cowboys are also in the mix for the former Colts star who was surprisingly released this week.

The former Colts linebacker cleared waivers Wednesday and is now a free agent, and according to multiple league sources, he has options. Leonard spent the last few seasons in Indy after signing a five-year, $98.25 million contract extension in 2021, but then injuries held him back. Now teams still in contention like the Eagles, Cowboys, Vikings and others are “collecting information” on him. A league source said Leonard may take his time making a decision.

Leonard was drafted by the Colts out of South Carolina State in the second round in 2018. He was a first team All-Pro and the defensive rookie of the year in his debut season after racking up 163 tackles, seven sacks, eight passes defended, four forced fumbles, and two picks. The following year, Leonard became just the 14th player ever to have five interceptions and five sacks in a season. He was an All-Pro in each of his first four seasons, with three first-team nods.

But after playing 58 games in his first four seasons, Leonard only played in three in 2022 due to multiple back surgeries. This season, he started each of the Colts' first nine games but hadn't been playing full-time snaps in recent weeks — which he was vocally frustrated about.

Leonard isn't the same player he was from 2018-21, but he's still an experienced and talented linebacker. The Colts felt they had to release him because of his contract and the headaches he was causing. The Vikings might feel like he can help them. They're without Jordan Hicks for at least three more games and possibly more. If signed, Leonard would be joining a linebacker room that currently features Ivan Pace Jr., Troy Dye, and Anthony Barr as the top three options.

Thanks for reading. Make sure to bookmark this site and check back daily for the latest Vikings news and analysis all season long.

Subscribe to the Inside the Vikings newsletter

Follow Will Ragatz on Twitter

Published
Will Ragatz
WILL RAGATZ

Will Ragatz is a senior writer for Vikings On SI, who also covers the Twins, Timberwolves, Gophers, and other Minnesota teams. He is a credentialed Minnesota Vikings beat reporter, covering the team extensively at practices, games and throughout the NFL draft and free agency period. Ragatz attended Northwestern University, where he studied at the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. During his time as a student, he covered Northwestern Wildcats football and basketball for SB Nation’s Inside NU, eventually serving as co-editor-in-chief in his junior year. In the fall of 2018, Will interned in Sports Illustrated’s newsroom in New York City, where he wrote articles on Major League Baseball, college football, and college basketball for SI.com.

Share on XFollow WillRagatz
Home/News