Three-time All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard’s time with the Colts came to an end on Tuesday when the team waived him off of their roster.
Leonard’s role on defense was not the same as it was in those All-Pro seasons. Leonard missed almost all of last season with back injuries and he was playing fewer snaps as he played without the same speed and explosiveness he showed in earlier seasons.
After the move was made on Tuesday, Leonard took part in Thanksgiving food distribution event with his former teammates and he said that the move came a day after a meeting with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. Bradley told Leonard that he would be inactive for the rest of the season, so Leonard found it “shocking” to learn that he was off the team altogether the next day.
“I asked for a November meeting,” Leonard said, via Stephen Holder of ESPN.com. “I guess I got a November meeting. I guess you’ve got to be careful what you ask for.”
Leonard said he didn’t know what changed, but he has been vocal about frustrations with the changed circumstances and said he thought that might have played a role in the decision.
“I always say that they say [complaints] are OK until you step on toes,” Leonard said. “I said that two weeks ago and I still stand by it. I don’t know if that played a part. Do I think it plays somewhat of a part in it? Yes, because they could see it as a distraction. But I tried to be respectful with my answer.”
Leonard is signed through 2026 and any team claiming him would have to pay him just over $6 million in salary over the rest of this season. They would also inherit an injury guarantee on a portion of his 2024 salary, so it seems more likely that Leonard will go unclaimed and find his next home as a free agent.
