The Philadelphia Eagles might own the NFL’s best record at 10-2, but they’re not infallible. Far from it.
In this case, I’m talking about Philadelphia’s mediocre defense, which is 21st in DVOA efficiency, 24th in points allowed, and 30th in total passing defense. After the rival San Francisco 49ers dropped 42 points on Sunday (thanks largely to Deebo Samuel), it was abundantly clear that Philly needed to add defensive reinforcements somewhere.
Howie Roseman and Co. have decided it’ll be a former All-Pro linebacker.
On Monday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Eagles signed former Colts standout defender Shaquille Leonard. A standout playmaker in Indianapolis for the better part of almost six seasons, the Colts released Leonard after rampant injuries, and a new defensive scheme finally diminished what he brings to the table. Leonard is assuredly no longer a star player as it stands.
But he’s still a massive upgrade for an ailing Eagles defense that isn’t capable of stopping anyone:
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
Here’s the Eagles’ official announcement of the Leonard move:
We've agreed to terms on a one-year deal with LB Shaquille Leonard. pic.twitter.com/WjCsPDHRVQ
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 4, 2023
In a funny coincidence, Leonard’s first game with Philadelphia could be in Sunday night’s de facto NFC East title game against the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas was the other team the linebacker visited as a free agent. The Eagles are clearly hoping that Leonard — who hasn’t played since mid-November –can shift the tide against a Dallas squad riding the high of a potential Dak Prescott MVP campaign.
If Leonard can’t do it, it might just be a lost year for the Philadelphia defense.