All-Pro Prospect Signs with NFC Rival, after Vikings Lost out
In the middle of Brian Flores’ swarming defense, the Minnesota Vikings could have used another player worthy of a Pro Bowl, but it was not to be.
After the three-time All-Pro was released by the Indianapolis Colts on November 21, Minnesota gave the linebacker a close examination, but he ultimately decided to play elsewhere.
On Monday, December 4, Grant Gordon of NFL.com wrote, “Leonard has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.” Following his initial visit with the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday, Leonard met with the Eagles on Wednesday. As the defending NFC champions attempt to win a Super Bowl once more, he has chosen to stick with Philadelphia in first place for the final stretch.
Last 2 Losses May Have Damaged Vikings’ Chances to Land Shaquille Leonard
Just 48 hours after Leonard’s tenure with the Colts came to an abrupt end, on Thanksgiving Day, Dianna Russini of The Athletic revealed the Vikings’ interest in Leonard.
After agreeing to a five-year, $98.25 million contract extension in 2021, Leonard played his final few seasons in Indianapolis before injuries sidelined him, according to Russini. “At this point, teams that are still in the running, like the Vikings, Eagles, and Cowboys, are ‘gathering information’ about him. A league source stated that Leonard might deliberate slowly.
Although Leonard hasn’t publicly stated his reasons for signing with the Eagles before even holding meetings with the Vikings, a quick read between the lines indicates that the 28-year-old linebacker is hoping to win a Super Bowl and believes Philadelphia offered him the best chance to do so. If so, Leonard’s perception was most likely influenced by Minnesota’s two straight losses to the Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos, which dropped the team to 6-6.
After quarterback Kirk Cousins and wide receiver Justin Jefferson suffered injuries, the Vikings defense has had to shoulder a disproportionate amount of the load to keep the team competitive. QB Josh Dobbs’ performance also declined after making headlines across the country for a few weeks. A week ago on Monday Night Football in Minneapolis, the unit gave up just 12 points to the Bears; however, the Vikings’ 10 points on offense and four interceptions cost them the game.
Like Minnesota, Philadelphia can present Leonard with a strong defense to join. But the Eagles can also promise him a guaranteed postseason trip and an offense that produces results every week, two things that are still up in the air in Minneapolis as the team returns from its bye week.
Vikings Predicted to Stand Pat for Stretch Run, as Marcus Davenport Eligible to Return
Now that Leonard is out of the picture, the Vikings are more likely to make it through the final stretch with their current roster.
The NFL Staff of Bleacher Report wrote on Monday, “If the Vikings were going to add someone for the end-of-the-year stretch, it probably would have happened during the bye.” “They’re determined to work things out with the guys in the building, and Jefferson’s comeback ought to be beneficial too. Additionally, Marcus Davenport can now be activated from injured reserve, meaning the team will have an abundance of support going forward.
After signing a one-year, $13 million contract during the offseason, Davenport, who was sidelined by injury for a large portion of the 2023 season, has only appeared in four games for Minnesota. But in those four games, he has registered six pressures, four quarterback hits, and two sacks. He should provide a significant offensive complement when lining up opposite Danielle Hunter, who has shown to be one of the NFL’s top edge-rushers this season.
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