Cowboys should feel increased urgency to add LB Shaquille Leonard

Entering Week 14 of the 2023 NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys are at the edge of their seats awaiting a final decision from free agent linebacker Shaquille Leonard.

The three-time First-Team All-Pro is reportedly close to choosing between the Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles after visiting both NFC East franchises. 

According to David Moore from the Dallas Morning News, Leonard is set to announce his decision to the two teams on Monday.

Whether it's intentional or not, Leonard's dramatic approach to making a final call sure has some super climatic timing: The Cowboys will be hosting the Eagles in Week 14 in a game key to the division race.

The former All-Pro sure has a shot at playing this very weekend, which means the loser of the late-season sweepstakes could face the very guy they were hoping to sign.

Considering he's played nine games this season, there's no questioning he's in football shape. The Cowboys better hope they add him soon.

Cowboys' urgency level to add LB Shaquille Leonard has to skyrocket

Dan Quinn's defense is still having issues to stop the run effectively. The unit is 30th in defensive success rate against the rush and lack physicality at LB despite Damone Clark's and Markquese Bell's play being better than what many expected.

On Sunday, Dallas witnessed another example of the San Francisco 49ers offense steamrolling a quality team like the Eagles. During the win, Christian McCaffrey averaged 5.5 yards per carry as he cruised for 93 yards in just 17 attempts. 

They need all the help they can get against teams like the Niners and even the Eagles, two contenders who like to win games on the ground and that rank in the top 7 offenses in rushing success rate.

This is the last chance the Cowboys front office has at adding a significant contributor to that area. Although signing Leonard would mostly improve depth, he has the upside to be a quality run defender for the Cowboys.

If the Cowboys indeed end up landing Leonard, fans could expect him to make an impact in the running game more than he would against he pass. 

Leonard was a liability against the pass for the Colts, which largely contributed to the team parting ways with someone who was a fan-favorite for a long time. Fortunately for Dallas, they'll be content with somebody that helps stop rushing attacks.