The Indianapolis Colts have released All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard, ending his five-and-a-half season with the team. The Colts announced the news on social media.
One of a kind, on and off the field.
Thank you, Maniac. pic.twitter.com/WY7nLliqOH
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 21, 2023
After the move was official, Leonard posted a message on social media, thanking Colts fans and the community in Indianapolis for their support over the years.
https://twitter.com/dsleon45/status/1727033815422603304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1727033815422603304%7Ctwgr%5E0cdb7dd201146396697702724641b8822661542a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsportzbonanza.com%2Fcolts-waive-all-pro-lb-shaquille-leonard%2F
Leonard emerged as one of the most important players for the Colts upon joining the franchise as a second-round pick in 2018. However, his status on the team changed after he underwent back surgery in 2022. The coaching staff believed he hadn’t returned to the level he was on before and limited his playing time this season as a result. This didn’t sit well with the 28-year-old player, who expressed his frustration about the news on several occasions before.
“It was shocking,” Leonard said via ESPN about his release. “I asked for a November meeting. I guess I have a November meeting. I guess you’ve got to be careful what you ask for.”
Leonard started nine games for the Colts in 2023 but played only 70% of snaps on defense in those games. While he managed to make 65 tackles, he didn’t showcase much of his playmaking abilities, which made him an All-Pro-caliber player earlier in his career.
The Colts likely moved from Leonard because of his underwhelming performances but also to get out of his massive contract. He had three more years on a five-year, $99 million deal he signed in 2021 but no guaranteed money after this season.
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