Former Colts LB Shaquille Leonard is joining Nick Sirianni and the Eagles
Shaquille Leonard is joining forces with Nick Sirianni.
The former Colts All-Pro linebacker has signed a one-year deal to play for the Eagles, the team announced Monday.
That means Leonard will reunite with Sirianni, who was the Colts offensive coordinator during his first three seasons before leaving to become the Eagles coach.
Leonard found his second team 13 days after he was released from the one that drafted him. The Colts made the bold decision to part ways with the four-time All-Pro and team captain after returning from the bye week and determining that they wanted to play other linebackers instead.
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Leonard fought to return from two different back surgeries to repair a nerve issue, with the latest coming in November of 2022. When a year had passed since the second operation and the Colts didn't see the progress they were hoping for, they informed him of his release. E.J. Speed has taken more snaps in his absence, and the Colts have also transitioned Ronnie Harrison from strong safety to linebacker.
But Leonard had a market with other teams after parting with Indianapolis. He visited the Cowboys and Eagles, two of the contenders in the NFC. He chose the Eagles and Sirianni, who is 33-13 with an NFC championship in his three seasons with the team.
This year's Eagles are 10-2 and pushing for a second straight season with the top seed in the NFC.
Contact Nate Atkins at natkins@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @NateAtkins_.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Former Colts LB Shaquille Leonard is joining the Eagles
