On Tuesday afternoon, the Colts released the veteran linebacker for Indianapolis to get out of the five-year $98.5 million contract extension he signed in 2021. NFL teams don't often release franchise icons after 11 weeks into the season, but that's the case for Leonard, who will hit the open market if he clears waivers.
Leonard has suffered multiple injuries during his career, which have prevented the linebacker from reaching the All-Pro level he has shown to earn that massive deal. Though he's waiting on the waiver list, he will clear it as no team wants to take the rest of the remaining cap and end up a free agent.
Which teams could call the veteran linebacker when he enters free agency?
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys lost Leighton Vander Esch for the remainder of the 2023 season due to a neck injury suffered during their Week 5 game against the San Francisco 49ers. But the emergence of Damone Clark has calmed those worries.
Even though Clark has played great football, linebacker depth remains an issue for the Cowboys. The team also relies on Markquese Bell and recently signed former first-round pick Rashaan Evans. This is not a linebacker room full of options a team should depend on if another injury happens.
Leonard could join a Super Bowl caliber defense. Also, the Cowboys offense already clicked with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb playing on a high level.
Buffalo Bills
Bills defense has suffered the most devastating injuries this season. They have lost All-Pro LB Matt Milano, CB Tre'Davious White and DT DaQuan Jones for the rest of the season. The Bills haven't found Milano's replacement and Leonard is an excellent alternative as they fight for a playoff spot.
With the Week 11 victory, the Bills are now 6-5 in the middle of the postseason race. Leonard hasn't played in the playoffs in a while and joining the Bills could be an exciting opportunity for the veteran linebacker.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers started the week with the right foot when they fired offensive coordinator Matt Canada on Tuesday. That will help give that side of the ball a major boost as they stay in the playoff hunt.
Another team with a depleted linebacker room. The Steelers lost LB Cole Holcomb, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 9 against the Titans and LB Kwon Alexander, who stepped up for Holcomb in Week 10 against the Packers.
The Steelers linebacker room now has Elandon Roberts and Mark Robinson, and recently acquired Blake Martinez from the Panthers practice squad and brought back Myles Jack to the practice squad. Minkah Fitzpatrick has been absent with an injury as well. Leonard could well be the piece to help that injured defense.
Philadelphia Eagles
We all know how aggressive Howie Roseman is. He has brought stars to the team they don't even need but can help. The Eagles stand with a 9-1 record (best in the NFL) and should be a top interest for Leonard.
The Eagles have one of the most complete rosters in the league, with almost no holes in it. The linebacker position is the only weakness for the Eagles. T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White left the team in free agency, and Nakobe Dean has been dealing with injuries. Leonard could be another star added to this defense.
Eagles gonna do it again aren’t they?