December 04, 2023

Report: 'Some optimism' that Shaquille Leonard will sign with Eagles

Will the Eagles sign All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard? A new report is optimistic about that happening.

By Shamus Clancy
PhillyVoice Staff

After the 49ers torched the Eagles' defense on Sunday, reinforcements could be on the way. Shaquille Leonard, the former All-Pro Colts linebacker, visited the Eagles this past week and, per CBS Sports' Josina Anderson, there is "some optimism" he will sign with the Birds:

I’m told as of right now the #Eagles have ‘some optimism’ Shaq Leonard is coming to Philly. That’s the extent to the characterization—at this time.

My understanding is the #Cowboys have not received any indication of Leonard’s decision as of this early afternoon, per sources… https://t.co/sWd8yMvnn9
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 4, 2023

Leonard also visited Dallas during his free agent period as well just as the Eagles are set to take on the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football.

The Eagles sorely missed injured linebacker Zach Cunningham on Sunday. Even Cunningham himself was a stop-gap solution at LB as a late-summer free agent signing though. There are big warts. Nakobe Dean is on IR. Christian Elliss and Nicholas Morrow just didn't get it done against San Francisco, as the 49ers' ground game and middle-of-the-field passing attack picked apart the Birds.

Having Leonard in midnight green for Sunday would be a massive boost, obviously. The sooner Howie Roseman can get this deal done, the better for the Eagles.