The Dallas Cowboys had some misfortune at the linebacker position in 2023 with the rookie DeMarvion Overshown tearing his ACL during the preseason, and veteran Leighton Vander Esch out for the year with a neck injury. They are looking into filling some of the void left by the two, though.
Linebacker Shaquille Leonard, who was recently released after playing for the Indianapolis Colts since 2018, will visit the Cowboys this upcoming week according to a source.
With Mike McCarthy saying the Cowboys have interest in Shaq Leonard, a source close to the situation says Leonard will visit the Cowboys this week. A specific date hasn’t been finalized. @dmn_cowboys
Leonard showed his worth as a rookie by leading the NFL with 163 tackles, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year, and being named a first-team All-Pro. He would make three more consecutive All-Pro teams (two on the first team) and racked up at least 120 tackles each year. However, in 2022, Leonard missed the first four games after offseason back surgery. Leonard returned in Week 4 but suffered a concussion and a broken nose, which caused him to miss the next three games.
Leonard then suffered a setback with his back and missed the rest of the season, only playing in three games. The former second-round pick didn’t like that his snap count had been reduced and made it known earlier this month, which led to his release.
In the nine games he’s played in during the 2023 campaign, Leonard has amassed 65 tackles. He’s not quite on the All-Pro level anymore, but he’s still a very capable linebacker who can play at a high level by shooting gaps quickly and pursuing plays sideline to sideline. This would be another smart veteran addition at linebacker for the Cowboys, as was Rashaan Evans, and he could be a perfect mentor for Damone Clark and Markquese Bell who are both having good seasons for Dallas.
Let’s see if the Cowboys front office can pull off another strategic move.
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