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NFL Analyst Reveals Why Shaq Leonard Signed With Eagles Over Cowboys

Originally posted on NFL Analysis Network
By Kenneth Teape | Last updated 12/6/23

The Philadelphia Eagles’ defense was torched in Week 13 by the San Francisco 49ers. They were blown out on their home field 42-19 as they didn’t have any answers for a talented San Francisco offense.

Looking to get things back on track, the Eagles made a splash this week in hopes of improving their defense. They signed free agent linebacker Shaquille Leonard, who was recently released by the Indianapolis Colts.

The Eagles weren’t the only team that was showing interest in the former All-Pro linebacker, as their NFC East rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, were also pursuing him. Ultimately, he decided to head to the City of Brotherly Love.

Why would Leonard decide to join the Eagles instead of the Cowboys? In the opinion of former NFL star turned analyst Richard Sherman, it was an easy one to make. In Sherman’s opinion, Leonard joined the team with a better chance of winning a ring.

“He logically went with the Eagles, the team with a better chance to make the Super Bowl,” Sherman said during a recent segment of UNDISPUTED on FS1 with Keyshawn Johnson and Skip Bayless.

Shaquille Leonard spurns Cowboys, signs with Eagles:@RSherman_25: “He logically went with the Eagles, the team with a better chance to make the Super Bowl.” pic.twitter.com/68jc0Fvq77
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) December 5, 2023

We won’t have to wait long to see if Leonard made the right decision. The Eagles are facing off against the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football in Week 14 in a game that will go a long way in deciding who will take home the NFC East crown.

A victory by Philadelphia would give them a season sweep over Dallas and essentially a 2.5-game lead with four games remaining. A loss by the Eagles would be their second in a row and put the Cowboys in a tie for first place with identical 10-3 records.

In nine games with the Colts this season, Leonard wasn’t as effective as he has been in years past. He totaled 65 tackles with two tackles for loss, seeing his playing time cut back drastically. There is hope within the Eagles that a change of scenery will reinvigorate him as Leonard was unhappy with his role in Indianapolis but is getting a fresh start in Philadelphia.

This article first appeared on NFL Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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