Five teams that should attempt to sign LB Darius Leonard after he clears waivers
In a shocking move, the Indianapolis Colts cut the former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in Darius Leonard, the All-Pro linebacker.
The move was shocking. The former second round pick out of South Carolina State in the 2018 NFL Draft is a vocal leader, but has been vocal about his playing time as of late. After being cut by the Colts Leonard was passing out turkeys to families in need in Indianapolis. He is a leader on and off the field so we wanted to show a few teams that could take a swing on him after he clears waivers.
If someone does claim Leonard he would be owed 6.11 million dollars this year and his contract after that is super expensive.
It jumps to 16.1 million in 2024, 19.1 million in 2025 and 19.6 in 2026. Here are a few teams I think would have interest in signing him to make a run at the playoffs.
Buffalo Bills – I am a diehard Buffalo Bills fan and if you look at their linebackers they could easily use a player like Maniac. With Matt Milano out for the year, and the emergence of Terrel Bernard it would allow the Bills to add a fast past player opposite of Bernard for the remainder of the year. If Bills were to have Bernard, Milano and Leonard they would have one of the nastiest defensive fronts in the NFL, the problem remains how much would it cost?
Philadelphia Eagles – The Eagles are one of the sharpest teams and they would easily add a player like Leonard on their roster for the Super Bowl push. The Eagles are always scouring the wire and the free agency market to find players. I would not be shocked if Howie makes a push for Leonard, because he is a talented player.
Miami Dolphins – Why wouldn’t the Dolphins try to improve their linebacker corps? The Dolphins are the team to beat in the AFC East right now and if they can add an All-Pro linebacker right now their run to the Super Bowl could happen soon.
Pittsburgh Steelers – I could see Leonard and Mike Tomlin getting along very well. With the horrible offensive struggles in Pittsburgh I wonder if the Steelers would want to spruce up the defense. I think adding Leonard would be a huge addition.
Denver Broncos – The Broncos would be a team I could see who claims Leonard. The Broncos are on the rise, they are getting win after win and they could use a linebacker badly. Is Leonard worth it? I think he would be a huge addition for the Broncos and Sean Payton.
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