Tag: Shaq Leonard

Colts carrying $8.3 million in dead cap on 2024 books

The Colts are carrying $8.3 million in dead cap on their 2024 salary cap. Here is what that means for the upcoming season.

At the moment, the Indianapolis Colts are carrying $8.3 million in dead cap that counts towards their 2024 salary cap.

That $8.3 million figure is from two plays: Shaq Leonard at $8 million and Darius Rush at $268,245, according to Over the Cap (OTC).

In short, dead cap is money that has already been paid out to the player but is yet to have counted against the salary cap.

In Leonard’s case, he received guaranteed dollars when signing his extension in 2021. But from a salary cap perspective, rather than the Colts absorbing the cap hit of those guaranteed dollars right away, they pro-rated the cap hit over the life of the contract in the form of a signing bonus.

This is common practice around the NFL as it provides cap help in the moment, but for the Colts, who moved on from Leonard before his contract was up, they are now feeling the cap ramifications of pushing those initial charges into future years.

Leonard’s $8 million dead cap hit will be the seventh largest cap hit on the team in 2024.

With that said, overall, the Colts are still in relatively good salary cap shape. The $8.3 million in dead cap they are carrying is actually the fifth-lowest amount in the NFL, and likely had little or even no bearing on how GM Chris Ballard went about the offseason.

As of now, OTC has the Colts with $16.92 million in available cap space. However, that figure does not yet take into account Julian Blackmon’s new contract.

On top of that, the Colts are going to need cap space to sign the incoming draft class, which OTC projects will take up about $4.1 million in cap space. They’ll also need available space to construct the practice squad and they’ll need reserves for in-season spending, whether that be for additions or game-day elevations from the practice squad.

So, while $16.92 million may be what the Colts have available on paper, that is not what they actually have available to spend.

Odds are that Blackmon was the last significant free agent addition that Ballard will make. At this stage of the offseason Ballard may wait and see how the draft unfolds, and then if he feels there is still a need to fill, he will explore free agency afterward in search of a low-cost addition to help round out the roster.

Bears LBs coach Dave Borgonzi named defensive coordinator for East-West Shrine Bowl

Dave Borgonzi joins Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower’s staff at this year’s East-West Shrine Bowl.

Another Chicago Bears coach is joining the staff for the East-West Shrine Bowl. Bears linebackers coach Dave Borgonzi will be the defensive coordinator for the East team. Borgonzi joins Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower’s staff for the game, who will serve as the East’s head coach. Arizona Cardinals passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach Drew Terrell will serve as Hightower’s offensive coordinator.

Borgonzi joined the Bears in 2022, coming over from the Indianapolis Colts with head coach Matt Eberflus, where he held the same role. Borgonzi has played a role in developing young linebackers such as Shaq Leonard and Bobby Okereke with the Colts and Jack Sanborn with the Bears. Under his tutelage this past season, linebackers TJ Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds excelled in their first season with the Bears.

The East-West Shrine Bowl is one of college football’s postseason all-star games that dates back to 1925. Since 2017, the game has pulled assistant coaches from the NFL to serve as coaches for each side. This year’s game takes place Thursday, February 4th, at 7 p.m. CT at the Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, TX.

Eagles PFF grades: Best and worst performers from Week 16 win over Giants

We’re looking at the highest and lowest graded players from the Philadelphia Eagles 33-25 win over the New York Giants in Week 16

The Eagles are the most unhappy 11-4 team in NFL history, but the only that counts is the wins, and Philadelphia got back on track with a 33-25 victory over the New York Giants on Christmas Day.

DeVonta Smith went over 1,000 receiving yards for a second straight season, running back D’Andre Swift pulled within 12 yards of 1,000 rushing yards on the year, and quarterback Jalen Hurts threw for 300 passing yards for the first time since Week 8 against the Washington Commanders.

With preparation for the Cardinals set to begin, we’re looking at the highest and lowest-graded players from Week 16 via PFF.

Free agent LB Shaq Leonard chooses Eagles over Cowboys; will sign one-year deal with Philadelphia

From @ToddBrock24f7: The veteran linebacker will sign with Philadelphia following visits last week with both the Eagles and Cowboys. The teams square off Sunday.

As if Sunday night’s showdown between the Cowboys and the Eagles needed any more juice.

Free agent linebacker Shaquille Leonard, who visited both teams last week, is signing a one-year deal with Philadelphia, according to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter.

The 28-year-old is a three-time Pro Bowler and was 2018’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, playing five-plus years with Indianapolis before being waived by the Colts in a surprise move last month.

Leonard visited The Star last Tuesday and followed that with a visit to Eagles headquarters on Wednesday. It was believed that the former second-round draft pick out of South Carolina State would take the weekend to decide which team to sign with and announce his decision Monday.

Either way he went, Leonard was set to join a star-studded defense that will likely be in line for a deep playoff run; he played in three postseason contests during his time with the Colts.

Philadelphia’s defense- and especially its linebacker corps- has seen a good number of injuries. Nakobe Dean is on injured reserve with a foot injury, and Zach Cunningham missed the team’s Week 13 game because of a hamstring injury. The Eagles have three off-ball linebackers on their active roster: Christian Elliss, Nicholas Morrow, and Ben VanSumeren.

The unit took a beating on Sunday in a 42-19 home loss to San Francisco, allowing the 49ers to convert eight of 11 third-down plays and giving up over 450 yards of offense.

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

Leonard has history with Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni; Sirianni was the Colts’ offensive coordinator the year Leonard was drafted.

The Eagles- presumably with Leonard in uniform and possibly ready to contribute- will travel to Arlington for a Week 14 primetime meeting with the Cowboys. A Dallas win would move the team into a tie for first place in the NFC East; an Eagles win would give that squad a big leg up in the race for a division title.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

[mm-video type=video id=01hgk43hnshba44p4400 playlist_id=01eqbwens7sctqdrqg player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01hgk43hnshba44p4400/01hgk43hnshba44p4400-7cb4774465e938e4901cbb5571535583.jpg]

[lawrence-newsletter]

Eagles waive CB Josiah Scott, freeing up a spot on the 53-man roster

The Philadelphia Eagles waived cornerback Josiah Scott and now have an open spot on the 53-man roster

The Eagles have an open roster spot after waiving cornerback Josiah Scott, and the team could be set to make several different moves.

Scott played four games this season, logging one solo tackle on 17 snaps, but he was inactive for Sunday’s overtime win over the Bills.

Philadelphia has already elevated undrafted rookie linebacker Ben VanSumeren three times for special teams purposes, so the team would need to give him a spot on the 53 to keep using him.

Free agent linebacker Shaquille Leonard is meeting with the team on Wednesday, and the roster spot could be used for him if he agrees to a deal.

The Eagles signed the cornerback to the active roster from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad on October 18, 2023.

Scott played in 29 games with the Eagles, making four starts, logging 38 tackles, eight pass deflections, two interceptions, and one sack.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=15489]

Report: Shaq Leonard leaves Dallas without deal, will visit with Eagles before deciding

From @ToddBrock24f7: The All-Pro’s visit went “well,” but he’ll move forward with a planned meeting in Philadelphia before making a decision this weekend.

The ball is in Shaq’s court now.

Free agent linebacker Shaq Leonard visited Cowboys headquarters on Tuesday. And while many within the organization- and the fanbase- had hoped that the front office wouldn’t let the four-time All-Pro leave without having inked a deal, Leonard will, in fact, follow through on a planned visit with the Philadelphia Eagles next.

NFL insider Dianna Russini says that the 28-year-old will make a decision on which team to sign with over the coming weekend… just days before the divisional rivals face each other in Arlington in Week 14.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirmed during a Tuesday morning radio phone-in that Leonard was at The Star and said that he would be personally meeting with the former Colts star as part of his visit.

“It’s not real hard to look and see what kind of player he’s been. He’s been outstanding during his career. We’ll want to check his health, see where he is,” Jones told 105.3 The Fan’s Shan and Bobby. “That’s what he’s doing right now as we’re speaking. And I’ll have a little lunch with him while he’s here,” Jones said.

Leonard had back surgery after the 2021 season to correct a nerve impingement issue. A setback in mid-2022 put him on injured reserve before the season was over. He saw a decrease in snaps for Indianapolis this year, despite him saying he felt fully recovered. The Colts waived their 2018 second-round draft pick on Nov. 21.

The feeling, though, in Dallas (and apparently Philadelphia) is that a slightly-less-than-100% Leonard is still an improvement to a linebacking corps looking to make a deep playoff run, especially with Indy footing the vast majority of his $6.1 million bill for the rest of the season.

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

“A player like him, you don’t have any questions. His contribution away from the football team is well known,” Jones explained. “He’s a big positive on a team. He has great respect [from his teammates], has great experience. … When you’ve played as long as he’s played, at the level he’s played, then this isn’t a hard scouting job.”

It is, admittedly, a little harder when the player is getting the VIP treatment in someone else’s building.

Hopefully the Cowboys sufficiently wooed Leonard while he was in theirs to make the decision a slam-dunk for the South Carolina native.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

[mm-video type=video id=01hgb7690fk7cghbtfg4 playlist_id=01eqbwens7sctqdrqg player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01hgb7690fk7cghbtfg4/01hgb7690fk7cghbtfg4-18a8f4c68aab5c433fe6d10f71b1dafd.jpg]

[lawrence-newsletter]

Here’s why the Cowboys are a great fit for Shaq Leonard

The Cowboys have a few things going for them and as long as the money’s right, they should be a desirable landing spot for Shaq Leonard. | From @ReidDHanson

When Shaq Leonard was released by Indianapolis last week, the Cowboys were immediately linked as a potential suitor. But unlike most links to Dallas, this one had actual teeth. The Cowboys’ thinnest position on their roster is arguably their LB corps so a former All-Pro like Leonard just makes sense.

Playing primarily out of a nickel defense that utilizes extra safeties and rarely asks more than two off-ball LBs to take the field together, the Cowboys have their starters in place. Damone Clark, an ascending second-year LB out LSU, and Markquese Bell, a converted SAF, have been doing admirably at LB for Dallas.

The two players understand Dan Quinn’s system and are proving to be true three-down players for the Cowboys. But behind them the well looks dry.

A neck injury in Week 5 had already ended the season of Leighton Vander Esch, and before that, Dallas lost rookie LB DaMarvion Overshown to a preseason ACL tear. The player they hoped would have developed by now, Jabril Cox, never did, resulting in his preseason release. Even Devin Harper was lost when Cincinnati claimed him off waivers in late September.

Aside from Bell and Clark, the Cowboys only have Rashaan Evans playing the off-ball LB position at the moment.

On one hand, this could be seen as a bad thing, but on the other hand, it’s that glaringly obvious need at the LB position that’s Dallas’ biggest selling point.

The Cowboys need Leonard and that could work to their advantage. Players want to be where they’re needed. The Cowboys are extremely shallow at the position and can all but guarantee snaps to Leonard on Day 1.

The chances of Bell and Clark going injury-free from here on out is fairly slim. LB is a physical position, and at the very least, an extra LB could give them breathers in a regular rotation.

Leonard might not be likely to regain All-Pro form, but last seen, he’s still pretty darn good. He’s particularly effective in run support, which happens to be an area in which Dallas struggled. It should be no mystery as to why the Cowboys are interested in adding Leonard and why they scheduled a visit for Tuesday.

Recent reports indicate other teams may also be interested in the former Colt and Dallas will have to sell him on the idea of joining the Cowboys. While money is understandably a big factor in any free agent sales pitch, the attractiveness of the situation is also sure to play a role.

Besides money, the Cowboys have a few things separating them from the pack:

  1. An immediate need
  2. A long-term need
  3. Contender status
  4. A dominant defense around him

The immediate need is clear. Rotating Leonard in on obvious run situations is a way he could make an instant impact on the Cowboys.

Yet, unlike other teams who just need Leonard to hold down the fort while other players recover from injuries, Dallas needs him for the entire season. There are no reinforcements coming for the Cowboys which means Leonard can feel confident he won’t be benched a few weeks down the road.

The Cowboys are also quite clearly playing for something. They are one of the top teams in the NFC and on a clear path to the postseason. Leonard would be playing for something in Dallas.

The Cowboys also have an elite defense in place around him. Their defensive line and secondary are elite. Leonard wouldn’t be picking up the slack of others – he’d be playing with an All-Star cast and only have to focus on himself.

As long as the money is right, there are reasons to believe the Cowboys have the inside track on adding Leonard.

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

Report: FA linebacker Shaq Leonard to visit Cowboys this week

The Cowboys will meet with the most intriguing player remaining on the free agent market. | From @KDDrummondNFL

It appears that the public courting by the front office and staff appears to be genuine. The Dallas Cowboys have a need at linebacker, and inexplicably, the Indianapolis Colts put one with a strong history of great play on the free agent market.

Shaq Leonard, formerly Darius, was released last week in a surprise move by the Colts. The 2018 second-round pick has three All-Pros and three Pro Bowl appearances in his career, but back injuries robbed him of most of 2022 and has limited his playing time in 2023. Still, he would signal a big addition for the Cowboys who have had to weather things without their middle linebacker, Leighton Vander Esch.

And it appears they will get their crack at signing him, as Leonard is scheduled to visit The Star this coming week, according to Dallas Morning News’ Calvin Watkins.

Vander Esch has been out with a neck injury and after a month on the sideline a return this season was ruled out while it was reported he may not be able to return to the field ever. Dallas has been playing with Damone Clark and converted safety Markquese Bell, with midseason signing Rashaan Evans playing more in recent weeks.

So while Leonard may not still be playing at a Pro Bowl level, he would improve the depth tremendously with whatever he has left in the tank. His ceiling is obviously much higher than that if he has more in the tank than what the Colts believe he had.

Leonard cleared waivers as a claiming team would’ve had to assume over $6 million in remaining 2023 salary, but as a free agent teams are allowed to negotiate with Leonard if he wants to sign with them.

Vikings are “collecting information” on ILB Shaq Leonard

Could the Vikings make a big splash for a playoff run

According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Minnesota Vikings are one of many teams collecting information on former Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Shaq Leonard.

With the injury to Jordan Hicks keeping him out until at the earliest Christmas Eve against the Detroit Lions, it’s smart practice to look at a potential option both short and long-term.

Here is what Russini had to say about Leonard’s free agency.

The former Colts linebacker cleared waivers Wednesday and is now a free agent, and according to multiple league sources, he has options. Leonard spent the last few seasons in Indy after signing a five-year, $98.25 million contract extension in 2021, but then injuries held him back. Now teams still in contention like the Eagles, Cowboys, Vikings and others are “collecting information” on him. A league source said Leonard may take his time making a decision.

Leonard was waived on Tuesday after he seemingly requested it. He hasn’t been seeing the field with E.J. Speed seeing more snaps than him. Now, Leonard has been dealing with a lot of injuries over the last few seasons and has seemingly lost a step.

Looking into bringing Leonard in is one thing, but it will be another to sign him. The Colts still owe him $6.1 million for the rest of the season and that could impact what kind of contract he signs.

What signing Leonard would signal is the Vikings don’t fully trust their linebacker room without Hicks. Rookie Ivan Pace Jr. played every snap on Sunday night and fared well, but the depth isn’t there behind him.

The Vikings currently sit at $7.48 million in cap space per Over The Cap, so they have money to play with if they so choose.

[lawrence-related id=86722,86708,86704,86700,86697,86695]

LB Shaq Leonard should be a serious option for the Steelers

Shaq Leonard is the missing piece of the Steelers defensive puzzle.

Right now, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in a serious state of change with the firing of offensive coordinator Matt Canada. All attention is on is on the offense but there are still holes on the defensive roster to address. One of those is inside linebacker where the absence of Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander has created uncertainty.

New on Tuesday was that the Indianapolis Colts, in a move to cut salary released star inside linebacker Shaq Leonard. Given his huge contract, it’s a certainty that no team is going to claim him, which means once he clears waivers, he is free to sign wherever he wants.

Enter the Pittsburgh Steelers. In terms of a fit and his ability to come in and have an immediate impact, Pittsburgh has to be enticing. Leonard would come in and start next to veteran Elandon Roberts and lock up the middle of the defense.

Leonard missed all but three games in 2022 with an injury but in the previous four seasons, he topped 120 tackles each year. As a rookie in 2018, he led the league with 163 tackles and was named Defensive Rookie of the Year. He was an All-Pro in each of his four seasons as well.

This season, Leonard started all nine games and was on pace for another 100+ tackle season. If the Steelers are serious about winning this season and making the playoffs, they must make a serious push for Leonard in free agency.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]