The Indianapolis Colts parted ways with linebacker Shaquille Leonard on Tuesday and while we initially thought it could have been a mutual decision, it appears it wasn’t at all.
According to multiple reports, Leonard did not request a release from the team, and the Colts simply made this decision as a football move in what they believe is best for the organization moving forward.
Leonard did not ask for his release. Colts made the decision to move on, and it wasn't an easy one for the organization.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) November 21, 2023
Leonard’s disdain for his current role likely played a major part in the decision. Additionally, it has been clear he’s not the same player he was before an injury-riddled 2022 campaign changed the course of his career.
Even when starting MIKE linebacker Zaire Franklin missed a game due to a knee injury, the Colts opted to play second-year undrafted free-agent Segun Olubi over Leonard.
Despite being fully healthy entering the season—and missing a game due to a groin injury—Leonard was on the field for 70% of the defensive snaps in his nine games played. That’s by far the lowest snap share of his career when healthy.
While the memories of Leonard’s All-Pro run for the first four years of his career will be looked upon fondly, the Colts made a business decision in order to get out of a massive contract moving forward.
