The Eagles were dominated in several facets of Sunday’s 42-19 loss to the 49ers, but no weakness was more glaring than the obvious mismatch between the San Francisco skill players, and Philadelphia’s linebacker duo of Nicholas Morrow and Christian Elliss.
Morrow was the primary target on two large gains to Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle and his missed tackle on a Deebo Samuel catch and run led to a 49ers touchdown.
With Philadelphia badly in need of help, Shaquille Leonard has agreed to a one-year deal per Adam Schefter.
Added LB help in Philadelphia: Former Colts’ All-Pro LB Shaquille Leonard is signing a one-year deal with the Eagles, per sources.
The Eagles next game is Sunday night at Dallas vs. the Cowboys, the other team Leonard visited. pic.twitter.com/Kf5ggbP9TD
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 4, 2023
Leonard joins a linebacker corps that has been decimated by injuries: Nakobe Dean is on Injured Reserve with a foot injury and Zach Cunningham missed Sunday’s game against the 49ers because of a hamstring injury. The Eagles have three weakside linebackers on their active roster – Christian Elliss, Nicholas Morrow, and Ben VanSumeren.
Leonard was a three-time first-team All-Pro, once a second-team All-Pro, and a three-time Pro Bowl player.
He was the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2018.
During his final half a season with the Colts, Leonard logged 65 total tackles, including 2 for loss, in nine games.