NFL Rumors: Eagles Have 'Increasing Interest' in Shaquille Leonard Amid Cowboys Buzz

Shaquille Leonard's next NFL team may come down to a battle of the NFC East.

Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reported the Philadelphia Eagles have "increasing interest" in signing the free-agent linebacker following Zach Cunningham's hamstring injury in Sunday's win over the Buffalo Bills.

ESPN's Adam Schefter also mentioned the Dallas Cowboys as a potential suitor.

The Indianapolis Colts released Leonard last week as his playing time diminished. Leonard was an All-Pro in each of his first four seasons in Indianapolis but a back injury cost him 14 games in 2022 and left him limited when he's been on the field this season.

After emerging as one of the premier linebackers in football early in his career, Leonard looked well past his prime at just age 28. He recorded 65 tackles and failed to record a sack in nine games, and the Colts cut him in what felt like a pat on the back out the door so he could find a better playing situation.

The Eagles are awaiting word on Cunningham's long-term status after he went down with a hamstring injury Sunday. Philadelphia's linebacking corps has been ravaged by injuries all season long, with Nakobe Dean currently sitting on injured reserve and most of the other linebackers being primary edge rushers or inexperienced.

The Cowboys are looking for a replacement in their defense for Leighton Vander Esch, who is out for the season due to a neck injury.

A player with Leonard's resume—particularly one who is still well below 30—does not typically pop up on the open market midway through a season. It would not be a surprise to see a mini bidding war break out between Philadelphia and Dallas as they jostle for position atop the NFC East.