Shaquille Leonard's Top Potential Landing Spots After Surprise Colts Release

The Indianapolis Colts waived three-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard on Tuesday.

Leonard was one of the NFL's best defensive players from 2018 to 2021, averaging 158 tackles per season. The 2018 Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year amassed an NFL-high 163 tackles during his first campaign and also forced a league-high eight fumbles in 2021.

Unfortunately, a nerve issue held him to just three games in 2022. He returned in 2023 and managed 65 tackles over nine starts. Leonard's playing time notably dipped, and he primarily played on only first and second downs, per Colts.com writer JJ Stankevitz.

This appears to have been a financially motivated decision by the Colts. ESPN's Bill Barnwell explained why.

Still, the decision to waive Leonard now comes as a surprise, per ESPN's Stephen Holder:

It's highly unlikely a team claims him off waivers, given the remainder of his contract, per Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer.

The NFL's current waiver order is decided by teams in inverse order of win-loss record. So the 1-9 Carolina Panthers would have the first chance to claim Leonard, followed by the 2-9 Arizona Cardinals, and so forth.

But if he clears waivers and becomes a free agent, then teams should be clamoring for his services. Here's a look at a few teams who are potentially good fits.

Pittsburgh Steelers

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CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 19: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers hands the ball off to Najee Harris #22 in the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

The Pittsburgh Steelers have encountered significant issues at inside linebacker after losing both Cole Holcomb (knee injury) and Kwon Alexander (torn Achilles) for the season.

Pittsburgh has called upon reinforcements, signing Mykal Walker, Myles Jack and now Blake Martinez. With respect to those talented players, each of whom has his own share of accomplishments, Leonard is still a class above that trio even post-injury. He'd be the answer at inside linebacker for the time being.

The Steelers are fighting for their playoff lives at 6-4 with a playmaking, opportunistic defense leading the way. The offense, outside of fantastic running back Jaylen Warren, has been dormant for much of the season.

The Steelers have parted ways with offensive coordinator Matt Canada, however, so there's a palpable sense of urgency to take advantage of Pittsburgh's current standing in hopes of launching a run to the playoffs. In that regard, adding Leonard seems like a prudent move if possible.

Philadelphia Eagles

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KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 20: The Philadelphia Eagles offense does the Tush Push for a go ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs on Nov 20, 2023 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Eagles have experienced plenty of turnover at linebacker since last year. T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White left in free agency. Nakobe Dean is on injured reserve with a Lisfranc sprain. Shaun Bradley is out for the year with a torn Achilles.

Philadelphia is now relying on Zach Cunningham and Nicholas Morrow, and they've both contributed to a defense that has had some huge moments this year en route to an NFL-best 9-1 record.

But this Eagles team clearly has its eyes on a Super Bowl. General manager Howie Roseman made a big midseason splash by acquiring an All-Pro safety in Kevin Byard. Why not add another former All-Pro in Leonard, who could help fortify the linebacker spot as Philadelphia continues its march to the playoffs?

Ultimately, the Eagles are a team to watch.

Buffalo Bills

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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 19: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills huddles with the team in the second quarter against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

This team choice comes with a caveat.

In 2024, the Buffalo Bills should be set at inside linebacker with healthy All-Pro and Pro Bowler Matt Milano (on IR with fractured leg) and the sensational Terrell Bernard (99 tackles, 3.5 sacks).

But Milano is out for now, leaving the door open for Leonard to make an impact.

Leonard could, in theory, sign with the Bills on a one-year minimum deal in hopes of landing a more lucrative, long-term contract elsewhere. He'd have an opportunity to showcase his talents for a Bills team with plenty of talent on both sides of the ball but only a 6-5 record to show for it.

A late-season run en route to a playoff berth is certainly within the realm of possibility, and that can help Leonard showcase himself at his best with a fresh start in Western New York.

The Bills notably have four Super Bowl contenders remaining on their schedule in the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins. Adding a reinforcement for the defense certainly won't hurt with that in mind.

Dallas Cowboys

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 05: Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) looks on during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles on November 5, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field. (Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Yes, the Dallas Cowboys defense is already in great shape despite losing superstar cornerback Trevon Diggs (torn ACL), but the team could use more reinforcements at linebacker with Leighton Vander Esch (neck) out for the season.

Dallas signed Rashaan Evans and still has Markquese Bell and Damone Clark at linebacker, but Leonard could be a missing piece this team needs to launch itself into the Super Bowl for the first time since the 1995 season.

Some prolific offenses are set to enter the NFC playoffs, including those of the NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles, the NFC West-leading San Francisco 49ers and NFC North-leading Detroit Lions. Leonard could help slow down those attacks at linebacker for Dallas as it searches for an NFC title.