“There was never a financial issue!” Jerry Jones breaks silence on Shaquille Leonard joining the Eagles days after visiting the Cowboys

Jerry Jones cleared that Leonard's decision to join the Eagles didn't cost them any financial loss.

“There was never a financial issue!” Jerry Jones breaks silence on Shaquille Leonard joining the Eagles days after visiting the Cowboys

Shaquille Leonard and Jerry Jones (Via Stampede Blue/SI)

The upcoming mega-divisional matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles becomes more interesting, all thanks to Shaquille Leonard. The three-time Pro Bowler recently signed with the Eagles, despite knowing how much Dallas was interested in approaching him. With his decision, the Cowboys got another reason to destroy the Eagles in week 14 and acquire the top NFC seed.

After Philly’s blowout loss against the San Francisco 49ers, Dallas seemed positive in defeating them on Monday. Not that they lagged any motivation in doing so, but Leonard’s deal with the Eagles resulted in firing them even more.

While addressing the matter, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones finally broke his silence, in a recent conversation with 105.3 The Fan, wishing the linebacker best wishes. Jones said: 

We could very easily see him out there against us Sunday. Certainly on an individual basis wish him the best. There was absolutely never a dollar, any money, mentioned. There was never a financial issue at all. That wasn’t the case. He wanted to go where he thought he had the best chance. It was never an issue for us with the confidence we have in our linebackers.

Jones cleared that this abrupt action by Leonard didn’t cost them any financial loss, and neither did his pursuit of the former free-agent linebacker indicate the incompetency of Dallas’ current squad. Jones seemed absolutely unbothered by the whole thing.

Though it’s not a surprise either, as if he had made a bitter statement towards him, it might have indicated his lack of confidence in the current linebackers. Therefore, Jones, head coach Mike McCarthy, and the whole coaching staff have expressed their confidence in the current Cowboys roster, which they would likely take into a Super Bowl.

Shaquille Leonard’s connection with Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni

Linebacker Leonard’s decision to sign with the Eagles isn’t random, as he shares a good relationship with head coach Nick Sirianni. The two were known to be very close when Sirianni was with the Indianapolis Colts as an offensive coordinator, which the coach himself confirmed.

Shaq Leonard
Shaq Leonard (Via X)

With the Eagles, Leonard seemed to have the best chance to play in the Super Bowl, considering their dominating performance throughout the 2023 season that made them the No. 1 NFC seed. Though his relationship with Sirianni influenced his decision equally.

The Pro Bowler is likely to play Philly’s week 14 game against the Cowboys, which is a crucial game for both times in terms of their NFC standings.

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