Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquill Leonard has had a great start to his NFL career, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2018 and earning three Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro First Team selections in his first four seasons. His performances have earned him a five-year, $98.5 million contract extension with $52.5 million guaranteed heading into the 2021 season.
Unfortunately, Leonard has not been the player he once was as he has battled injuries and fallen out of the starting rotation.
The Indianapolis Colts All-Pro linebacker has battled injuries.
Darius Leonard of the Indianapolis Colts warms up before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, in Indianapolis.
NFL Tennessee Titans vs Indianapolis Colts
Shaquill Leonard underwent back surgery in June prior to the 2022 season. He missed the first three games of the 2022 season while recovering from the surgery. He returned in Week 4, but suffered a concussion and a broken nose in that game, causing him to miss Weeks 5-7.
He returned in Week 8 and played through Week 9. He developed back soreness entering Week 10. The Colts placed him on injured reserve on November 12. He underwent back surgery on November 15 and missed the remainder of the season.
He finished the 2022 season with 11 tackles, one interception, one pass deflection and a PFF grade of 40.6.
Shaquill Leonard is out of the starting rotation
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquill Leonard (53) talks with game official Grantis Bell before a game against the New Orleans Saints at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in Indianapolis.
Leonard has recovered from a back injury and recorded 65 tackles, two TFLs and a PFF grade of 60.3 through the first nine games of the 2023 season.
The emergence of Zaire Franklin and EJ Speed ​​saw his role shrink and him fall out of the rotation, and the Colts waived him prior to Week 12.
He finished the season with Philadelphia.
Shaquill Leonard finished the 2023 season with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, December 25, 2023: Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Shaquill Leonard (53) reacts after making a defensive stop during the first quarter against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Credit: Bill Streacher – USA TODAY Sports
The Eagles signed Leonard ahead of Week 13. He appeared in the final five games of the regular season, starting three, and recorded 23 tackles, two TFLs, one sack and a 66.6 PFF grade. He did not play in the wild-card game.
He's waiting for his chance to play in 2024.
Shaquill Leonard is waiting for his chance to play
Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Darius Leonard (53) leaves the field after a loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022. The Colts lost 26-11.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, January 9, 2022, Tierbank Field, Jacksonville, Florida
“I'm just going to sit back and get healthy and take a shot whenever the opportunity arises,” Leonard told Kyle Smedley of the Indianapolis Star. “I'm just going to keep working hard and continuing to be myself.”
“If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen. Even if I do leave my career, I think I've had a great career so far. … I'm just enjoying life and waiting for the opportunity.”
Will he play in 2024?
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