Jim

Leonhard

Leonhard spent 10 years in the NFL as a safety, and per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler is well respected in NFL circles. Leonhard was hired as Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator in 2017 and served as interim head coach in 2022. With Jonathan Gannon taking over as the Cardinals’ head coach, the Eagles look to be exploring options outside of the building for his replacement.

Leonhard will turn down his second NFL coordinator offer in the last three years. He also passed on Illinois head-coaching job earlier this offseason. Leonhard is committed to staying at his alma mater in Wisconsin, where he’s a successor to HC Paul Chryst. With Leonhard out, Green Bay will turn its attention to Rams safeties coach Ejiro Evero.

The Packers have narrowed their search to Leonhard and Rams safeties coach Ejiro Evero. Leonhard, who coaches for his alma mater, has turned down other opportunities, including the Illinois head-coaching job in December and the Rams defensive coordinator position in 2018. He’s viewed as a possible successor to Wisconsin HC Paul Chryst. The Packers’ job looks like Leonhard’s if he wants it.

We assume Kerley will see the majority of returns, though Westhoff expects at least 35-40 percent touchbacks until the weather turns colder. Westhoff is hesitant to use Jim Leonhard on punt returns, so Kerley and possibly McKnight will handle those duties as well.

Re-signing Leonhard hasn’t been a priority for the Jets, but they still need a free safety. Whether or not Gang Green gets serious about bringing Leonhard back will depend on how he fares in his recovery from the torn right patellar tendon that ended his 2011. He could be sidelined well into the summer. The Jets aren’t done making moves at safety following the signing of LaRon Landry.

Leonhard also says he’s had “good conversations” with the Jets, but that he’s not yet ready to work out for teams. Leonhard is recovering from a serious injury in a torn patellar tendon, but would have a good chance of avoiding the PUP list if he’s indeed 100 percent for the start of camp. If he re-signs with New York, he’d provide insurance for LaRon Landry and Eric Smith.

It’s the worst possible news, and an injury that clouds the 29-year-old safety’s future. He’s unlikely to be ready for the start of the 2012 season. Pro Football Focus graded Leonhard as just the 22nd best safety in football through the season’s first 14 weeks, but he had been playing well in coverage. One of the emotional leaders of a defense allowing only 310.1 total yards per game, it’s a huge loss for the Jets. Ryan has confirmed Brodney Pool will take Leonhard’s spot in the starting lineup, but said the Jets will be in the market for safety help.

Cimini believes re-signing free safeties Jim Leonhard and Brodney Pool will be a low priority in free agency. Leonhard tore his right patellar tendon in December, and could be a candidate to begin 2012 on the PUP list.

Kerley muffed a punt against the Redskins and coach Rex Ryan has seen enough. Sure-handed but less explosive Jim Leonhard will function as the primary punt returner going forward.

Leonhard was hurt making an interception. He could put no weight on his right leg as he walked off the field, and was carted to the locker. From the look of things, the Jets could be without one of their most important defensive players for the rest of the season. He’s been replaced at free safety by Brodney Pool.