PHILADELPHIA — Less than 24 hours removed from their 42-19 blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the Philadelphia Eagles have added some help at linebacker.
Former All-Pro Shaquille Leonard, who was released by the Indianapolis Colts last month, has agreed to terms to join the Eagles' defense, multiple sources reported Monday.
Leonard, 28, met with both the Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys, both of whom could use some linebacker help, last week. He took the weekend to weigh his options before making his decision on Monday.
While it's unlikely he's the player he was during his All-Pro years with the Colts (2019-21), Leonard will provide immediate help at linebacker for the Birds.
And as Sunday's resounding loss to the surging 49ers showed, they could use it. San Francisco carved up the middle of the field against the Birds, using matchup advantages with tight end George Kittle, running back Christian McCaffrey, and dual threat wideout Deebo Samuel against linebackers Nicholas Morrow and Christian Elliss, both of whom struggled to make tackles in the open field.
The Eagles lost linebacker Nakobe Dean to a foot injury earlier this season and were without starter Zach Cunningham (hamstring) on Sunday. Morrow and Elliss were both released by the team earlier in the year, only to be picked up when the injuries began mounting.
The Cowboys were in the market for a linebacker after starter Leighton Vander Esch was lost to a season-ending injury, but they'll have to find someone other than Leonard to fill the hole.
A second-round draft pick out of South Carolina State, Leonard was voted the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2018 and was a three-time All-Pro from 2019 through 2021.
He was released by the Colts on November 21.
The Eagles might not be finished adding reinforcements. They're reportedly interested in tight end Zach Ertz, a Philly favorite who was released by the Arizona Cardinals last week. Ertz is reportedly still weighing his options.