Shaquille Leonard has moved from free agency to the centre of an NFC East championship battle.
After visiting both teams the week before, Leonard ultimately decided to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles, one of his archrivals along with the Dallas Cowboys.
He might now play in Sunday’s Eagles game against the Cowboys for the first time.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones views it as a “unique” circumstance, but he still wishes the three-time All-Pro linebacker
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who was let go all the best.
During his weekly appearance on 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday, Jones stated, “We very easily could see him out here against us Sunday.” “When I think about it, I have to take a step back. These are the times when a guy like him can be available, choose his side, which he can and does, and be playing in three or four days. It’s just a special moment in time. Not that it sounds negative in the slightest, I’m not complaining at all, but I find it unusual that he can start strong and play against us on Sunday.
Leonard has swiftly changed from being a probable addition to the Cowboys to a potential rival—and not only to the despised Eagles.
Although the reason Leonard selected the Eagles is unknown, Jones shared his opinion.
“There was absolutely never any money mentioned, I met with him, had lunch with him and had a good visit with him, but there was never a financial issue at all,” Jones stated. That was untrue in the slightest; he seems to have desired to get to the location where he believed he had the best chance. I respect and acknowledge his choice there, for sure. The faith we have in our linebackers has never been a problem for us.”
The 28-year-old Leonard was unexpectedly released by the Indianapolis Colts on November 21. He was able to pass waivers the next day, and he soon started looking for a new team.
On November 28, he had a meeting with the Cowboys before leaving for a visit with the Eagles.
The Eagles were destroyed by the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, while the Cowboys defeated the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night. In spite of the loss, or maybe precisely because of it, Leonard signed with Philadelphia.
The 49ers forced the Eagles to give up 146 rushing yards, and even if Leonard hasn’t been playing at his best lately, he’s still a strong stop for the ground game.
A few years ago, Leonard was thought to be the greatest or second-best off-ball back in the league behind Fred Warner of the Niners. However, injuries have destroyed Leonard, but his talent and résumé brought two of the best teams in the NFL to inquire about him.
