The Minnesota Vikings are looking at all options that could give the team a boost entering the final stretch of the regular season — and that includes acquiring All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard.
The Athletic’s Diana Russini reported on Thursday, November 23, that the Vikings are among a trio of NFC playoff contenders that are considering signing the three-time All-Pro who was released by the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday.
“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,” Russini wrote. “A league source said Leonard may take his time making a decision.
The 2018 Defensive Rookie of the Year, Leonard set the franchise’s single-season sack record that season. He earned three All-Pro nods in his first four years in the league as an instinctive tackler and second-level pass-rusher. He tallied 15.0 sacks and 26 tackles for loss in his first three seasons.
Leonard started 68 of the 70 games he appeared in across six seasons with the Colts. He left Indianapolis with 614 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 20 quarterback hits, 15 sacks, 17 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries. He also recorded 31 pass breakups and 12 interceptions, including a pick-six in 2019.
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