Mike McCarthy expresses the Cowboys’ interest in pursuing LB Shaquille Leonard

Shaquille Leonard was drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Mike McCarthy expresses the Cowboys’ interest in pursuing LB Shaquille Leonard

Shaquille Leonard (L - via NFL.com) and Mike McCarthy (R - via Sports Illustrated)

The Indianapolis Colts waived their All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard last Tuesday. It was a surprising move, as Leonard was one of the key players for the Colts in recent years. 

Leonard was drafted by the Colts in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as one of the best players in his position and made the All-Pro teams three times.

YouTube video

However, it came as a surprise to Leonard, as he revealed that the news hit him hard. 

FS Video
It was shocking.
Leonard said after the news broke out

He was handing out Thanksgiving turkeys to his teammates on Tuesday. He further said:

I asked for a November meeting. I guess I got a November meeting. I guess you've got to be careful what you ask for.

Although Leonard was a bit shocked by the recent events, he was at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday to support his former teammates against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. One team that is looking to snap up Leonard is the Dallas Cowboys. Their head coach, Mike McCarthy, spoke about the team’s interest in acquiring the All-Pro linebacker. 

I don’t have anything to report on Shaq, but yes, definitely, there’s interest.
McCarthy said, via Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News

Leonard has played nine games this season. He hasn’t recorded a sack yet and has 65 combined tackles. Earlier this month, Leonard expressed his frustrations over limited defensive snaps from the team. He will hope to get more playing time with his next team.

Shaquille Leonard gets a tribute from the Colts

Shaquille Leonard is one of the best defensemen in the league. So it was a surprise to see the Indianapolis Colts waive the star linebacker midway through the season. However, the Colts did acknowledge their former All-Pro linebacker during their recent game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

Shaquille Leonard
Shaquille Leonard (via Sports Illustrated)

During the game, the screens at the Lucas Oil Stadium flashed “Thank you” as the cameras panned to Leonard and his family sitting in a suite. He received a standing ovation from the fans as well. It is rare to see a player support his former team after being cut by the same team.

The Colts won the game, 27-20, and improved to 6-5 for the season. They will play their next game against the Tennessee Titans next Sunday and will hope to keep this momentum going. Leonard, on the other hand, might find himself with a new team soon.

In case you missed: