Shaquille Leonard visited the Dallas Cowboys last week and had a terrific conversation, but the veteran linebacker departed without agreeing to a contract.

As expected, Leonard visited with the Philadelphia Eagles the very next day. After that, rumours circulated that he would give both alternatives a week’s thought before making a public announcement. Even though Leonard’s contract is only good for the remainder of the season, this is a major choice for him, so you can appreciate his patience. Leonard played with the Colts for the first five or six seasons of his career.

The Cowboys lost the Leonard sweepstakes, and it was not their fault. It was announced on Monday that the Eagles will sign him.

Fans will be let down due to apparent

Many reasons contribute to Leonard’s benching. Still, none compare to his severely diminished effectiveness. Regardless of whether Leonard’s numerous back and neck surgeries compromised his athleticism, Colts teammates Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed—former seventh- and fifth-round selections, respectively—vastly outperformed him.

According to Pro Football Focus, Leonard has a player grade of 60.3 this season. He allowed 17 catches on 22 targets in coverage for 158 yards (118 after the catch), a career-high 8.7% missed tackle percentage (six missed tackles in nine games), and a 96.4 quarterback rating allowed.

This season’s high point highlighted Leonard’s decline in popularity. He failed to make an open-field tackle on Ezekiel Elliott against the Patriots (!). Consider how infrequently Elliott forced a defender to miss in the open field in 2022.

Did Leonard have any use for the Cowboys? Certainly, but let’s not act as though he had changed the LB room. His benching on the Colts’ defensive line, which is devoid of quality, indicates that he has regressed from his All-Pro status.

Leonard’s decision was going to be heavily influenced by playing time and role. Leonard is heading to the team that can provide him the most opportunity by selecting the Eagles over Dallas. Had you been a free agent linebacker and witnessed Philly’s humiliation at the hands of the 49ers on Sunday, you too would have selected the Eagles.

Don’t dispute it. After seeing that game, Leonard probably thought he could influence the Eagles more. Similar to the Cowboys, we don’t believe Leonard will change things in Philly’s linebacker room, but that defeat showed that the Eagles are more in need of Leonard than he is.

Free agents desire a sense of purpose. Jerry Jones undoubtedly gave Leonard a fantastic recruitment presentation, but he was only able to convince

While it’s regrettable that Leonard was unable to help the Cowboys win, he won’t necessarily make a difference in Sunday’s rematch with the Eagles. Philly just needs LB assistance so badly.