There have been many talented players in the NFL and Shaquille Leonard is one of them. Born in July 1995, the linebacker has been impressive ever since he made his NFL debut. The star player was recently in the news as he was looking for a new team. Now, Leonard has finally come to a decision and joined the Philadelphia Eagles.
Shaquille Leonard entered the NFL in 2018 with the Indianapolis Colts. The team selected him as their 36th pick in the 1st round of the NFL draft. He signed his rookie contract with the team worth $7.2 million for 4 years. The deal came with a signing bonus of $3.3 million and $4.1 million guaranteed. It offered the 6-foot-2 player an average yearly salary of $1.8 million.
We’ve agreed to terms on a one-year deal with LB Shaquille Leonard. pic.twitter.com/WjCsPDHRVQ
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 4, 2023
After his exceptional performance, the Colts decided to sign a contract extension with the NFL star in 2021. It was a deal worth a massive $98.5 million for 5 years. The contract included a signing bonus of $20 million and $52.5 million guaranteed. It offered Shaquille Leonard an average yearly salary of $19.7 million.
The South Carolina-born linebacker was expected to stay with the Colts till 2026. However, in a shocking move, the team waived him in November this year. After that, Shaquille Leonard has finally signed a new contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s a $1.08 million deal with the team for 1 year, offering an average yearly salary of $1.08 million.
After exhibiting his talent with the Colts, 28-year-old Leonard is all set to play for the Eagles. Now, it’ll be interesting to see till when the NFL star stays with the team.
What did Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones say after Shaquille Leonard joined the Eagles?
Shaquille Leonard made headlines after the Colts released him mid-season. However, the star player reportedly got offers from multiple teams in no time. He might have signed a deal with Jalen Hurts‘ Eagles, but he considered the Dallas Cowboys as well. Some time back, the 230 lb player had visited both the Eagles and the Cowboys.
After considering both teams, he decided to go with the Eagles. After the announcement, Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones broke his silence. He mentioned how it’s quite a “unique” situation as Shaquille Leonard might make his Eagles debut against the Cowboys now. Jones further made it clear that he had no issues with Leonard and wished him luck.
“We very easily could see him out here against us Sunday… I just have to almost step back when I think about man, these are the times we’re in when a player like that could be available and pick his team… That’s just unique to me… There was absolutely never any money mentioned… I certainly recognize and honor his decision there…,” he said.
The 81-year-old Cowboys’ owner made it clear that money was not the factor in Leonard’s decision. He might have considered both the teams’ current positions in the NFL before making his decision. Both the Eagles and the Cowboys have been performing well this season. However, Jeffrey Lurie’s team is in a better position with a phenomenal 10-2 record till now.
It seems like the Cowboys are not holding any grudges despite Shaquille Leonard joining the Eagles. Now, it’ll be worth watching how the 3-time Pro Bowl performs in his first game for the Eagles.