The Pittsburgh Steelers have been decimated by injuries at inside linebacker this season. This has them looking to the market to see who is available to come to Pittsburgh and help out. They have been relying heavily on the last man standing, so to speak, Elandon Roberts. While they still have Mark Robinson and recently elevated Mykal Walker, they could benefit from an exceptional player and one might have just become available. The Indianapolis Colts just released All-Pro inside linebacker Shaquille Leonard.
The Indianapolis Star
Leonard, a three-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler was just released by the Colts after spending the last six seasons with the team. The Colts drafted Leonard in the second round in 2018 out of South Carolina State. He was awarded the NFL Rookie of the Year with 163 combined tackles, eight pass deflections, seven sacks, and two interceptions across 15 games and starts. He also set the Colts' franchise record for the most tackles in a single season.
Now, the Steelers are being listed as the top landing spot for Leonard according to BetKentucky.com. While there is nothing definitive being announced, it does present an interesting possibility. Leonard certainly had the kind of talent that the Steelers love, the question is does he still have it?
The Steelers have +600 odds, tied with the Philadelphia Eagles as the favorite of any team to land Leonard. The Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills follow at +900, with the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans behind them at +1000.
After his breakout rookie season, Leonard continued to be a force in the Colts defense. During his first four seasons, he had 538 tackles and 15 sacks. Leonard absolutely smothered opposing offenses and provided solid coverage. His stellar play earned him a five-year, $98.25 million extension in 2021.
Doug Benc | Associated Press
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard (53) and New England Patriots center David Andrews (60) dive on a fumble by tight end Hunter Henry on Nov. 12 at Deutsche Bank Park Stadium in Frankfurt, Germany. The Colts announced Tuesday they have waived Leonard after six seasons.
Unfortunately, in 2022, Leonard had to have surgery on his back during the offseason to repair some old damage. After suffering a concussion and a broken nose in his first game back and then reinjuring his back, he was forced to miss the rest of that season. He played in only three games.
The 2023 season came about and Leonard still doesn't look like his old self. He has seemed off, out of sync with the rest of the defense, and has missed tackles. His lackluster gameplay has caused him to lose time on the field. Leonard has been quite open with the media about his frustrations with his usage.
The Steelers Seriously Looking At Signing Shaq Leonard?
Leonard leaves the Colts with about $6.1 million in base salary for the remainder of this season and $6.5 million guaranteed for injury in 2024. Some news sources feel it is unlikely a team will nab him off waivers. If he clears, then he will be a free agent allowing any new team to sign him at their own numbers.
The other potential conflict is that the Steelers just signed veteran linebacker Blake Martinez off the Carolina Panthers practice squad. Martinez has a lot of experience as a bit of a journeyman. He has played in 78 games for multiple teams.
Justin K. Aller / Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been decimated at inside linebacker including the season-ending knee injury sustained by Cole Holcomb.
The Steelers' two starting inside linebackers, Kwon Alexander and Cole Holcomb, are both out for the rest of the season with injuries. Holcomb was hurt in Week 9 against the Tennessee Titans. He suffered a "significant knee injury" and had to undergo surgery to repair it. Alexander was hurt the following week, during the win against the Green Bay Packers. He has a torn Achilles tendon.
Do you think the Steelers should look at Leonard? What do you think about his contract situation? How does he fit in with the other new players they have brought on board? Click to comment below.
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