Linebacker Shaquille “Shaq” Leonard was waived by the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday. He became a free agent on Wednesday after refusing to be claimed off waivers by any NFL team, including the Buffalo Bills.
The Colts selected Leonard, who is 28 years old, in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, Leonard amassed an incredible 163 combined tackles, seven sacks, two interceptions, eight passes defensed, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
He quickly established himself as one of the league’s top off-the-ball linebackers. Leonard has started 68 games for the Colts over the last five seasons and has been named to the First Team All-Pro three times.
Why then was he set free? And why was he unclaimed by anyone?
Leonard had two back surgeries the previous season in an effort to address nerve problems he was experiencing that were affecting his lower body and, as a result, making him lose some of his trademark explosiveness. He played in just three games in 2022 due to the surgeries.
When Leonard returned to action this season, the Colts reportedly told him that they would keep an eye on the situation and make adjustments as the season progressed. But Leonard didn’t like the changes that were made. He hasn’t gotten more playing time the last few weeks; on the contrary.
Leonard expressed his dissatisfaction to the Colts coaching staff without holding back.
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