Eagles reach agreement with Shaquille Leonard, beating out the Cowboys to fill a need at linebacker

The Eagles on Monday agreed to sign linebacker Shaquille Leonard, a former three-time All-Pro with the Indianapolis Colts.

Leonard’s decision to reunite with coach Nick Sirianni in Philadelphia comes after he also visited with the Dallas Cowboys last week. Leonard was waived by the Colts on Nov. 21. He has logged 65 tackles, including two tackles for losses, over nine games this season.

Leonard is expected to provide the Eagles with an immediate reinforcement at off-ball linebacker, one of the team’s weakest links as displayed during a 42-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

Quarterback Brock Purdy, who passed for 314 yards and four touchdowns, favored targeting the middle of the field, where the Eagles deployed Nicholas Morrow and Christian Elliss at linebacker. According to Pro Football Focus, Morrow allowed 175 yards across six catches on eight targets, with 151 yards coming after the catch. Elliss gave up two receptions on three targets for 33 yards.

» READ MORE: Eagles’ overmatched linebackers exploited by the 49ers for the Birds’ worst defensive showing since 2021

The Eagles have been unstable at the position for a majority of the season under first-year linebackers coach D.J. Eliot. Starter Nakobe Dean is on injured reserve for the second time this season with a foot injury, while Zach Cunningham missed the 49ers game with a hamstring injury.

“We feel like he adds depth to our team with the injuries we’ve had [at linebacker],” Sirianni said.

Leonard, 28, passed his physical with the Eagles, according to a league source. However, he has dealt with an assortment of injuries over the last couple of years that have affected his performance and availability. He underwent back surgery to repair a nerve injury ahead of the 2022 season, and after missing the first three games, Leonard suffered a concussion and fractured nose during his season debut. He then underwent a second back surgery that ended his season after he played in only three games.

Despite the linebacker’s dip in production, Sirianni expressed confidence in Leonard, whom he spent three seasons with in Indianapolis from 2018-20. Over 70 career games (68 starts), Leonard has 614 tackles, 32 tackles for losses, 31 passes defensed, 17 forced fumbles, and 12 interceptions.

Sirianni remained active in Leonard’s ear throughout his sudden recruitment. Aside from hosting Leonard for a visit, Sirianni said he also FaceTimed him several times during the process. At one point, according to Sirianni, he passed his phone around to several other coaches at the NovaCare Complex, so Leonard could interact with both old and new faces.

“I have a great relationship with Shaq. We’re confident in the player we’re getting. We’re confident in the person we’re getting,” Sirianni said. “We know we’re getting the right leader with all that. We still have confidence from the tape that he can play. He’s been a high-level player in this league for a very long time.

“He still has a knack for the football. He still has the knack to run and hit the ballcarrier. He still has that length he has to make plays in the passing game. ... That’s something that isn’t just my vision from watching him play recently, but also the practice reps I have against him. In pass coverage, his length and instincts are outstanding. He’s got a nose for the football.”