The Philadelphia Eagles have secured reinforcements for their linebacker corps with the signing of veteran Shaquille Leonard on a one-year deal. Leonard, who had been deliberating between joining the Eagles or the Dallas Cowboys, ultimately chose Philadelphia. This comes as a much-needed relief for the Eagles, who have struggled with inconsistent play from their linebackers throughout the season. Injuries have also plagued the position, with starters Nakobe Dean and Zach Cunningham sidelined in recent games. The defense’s lackluster performance against the San Francisco 49ers highlighted the urgency to strengthen this area of the team.
An Opportunity for Zach Ertz?
Not only have the Eagles made moves to bolster their linebacker corps, but they have also expressed interest in tight end Zach Ertz. Ertz previously played for the Eagles from 2013 to 2021 before being released by the Arizona Cardinals last week. The tight end position has been hampered by injuries, with starter Dallas Goedert fracturing his forearm in Week 9. As the Eagles explore their options, Ertz is still evaluating his choices and weighing the potential return to his former team. The addition of Ertz would provide valuable depth and experience to the tight end group, giving the offense another reliable target.
The struggles of the Eagles’ linebackers have been evident throughout the season, and the team is hopeful that the addition of Shaquille Leonard will provide a much-needed boost. Leonard, a talented linebacker, brings a wealth of experience and accolades to the team. Despite two back surgeries last season, which affected his explosiveness, Leonard has remained determined to contribute on the field. However, his playing time had become inconsistent following his recovery, leading to frustration on Leonard’s part. Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley ultimately made the decision to make Leonard inactive for their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and it was likely that he would remain inactive for the remainder of the season.
A Fresh Start in Philadelphia
Joining the Philadelphia Eagles offers Leonard a fresh start and the opportunity to make a significant impact. As a second-round pick and the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2018, Leonard has proven himself as a formidable presence on the field. His consistency and playmaking ability have earned him first-team All-Pro honors in 2018, 2020, and 2021. With 614 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, and 17 forced fumbles to his name, Leonard’s track record speaks for itself.
The Eagles’ linebacker position has been a source of concern for much of the season, but the signing of Shaquille Leonard brings renewed hope. While the team awaits the return of Nakobe Dean and Zach Cunningham from injury, Leonard’s arrival provides immediate relief. The reinvigorated linebacker corps will be crucial in strengthening the defense and minimizing the vulnerability in the middle of the field. As the Eagles aim to secure victories in the pivotal NFC East matchups, the addition of Leonard offers a significant boost to the team’s chances of success.
The Philadelphia Eagles have taken steps to address their linebacker struggles by signing Shaquille Leonard. The addition of Leonard provides the team with a much-needed boost and strengthens their defense. The Eagles’ pursuit of Zach Ertz further demonstrates their commitment to improving key positions on the roster. As the season progresses, the impact of these acquisitions will be closely monitored, with hopes of a resurgence for the Eagles and better performances from their linebackers.
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