Key Takeaways:
– Former NFL linebacker Shaq Leonard remains a free agent as he looks for his next career move.
– Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, who worked with Leonard during his Indianapolis Colts tenure, might be a reuniting factor for Leonard in Chicago.
– Despite a strong linebacking corps already present in the Bears’ roster, CBS Sports names Chicago as a likely landing spot for Leonard.
– Leonard’s form dipped after suffering from a nerve-related back injury, resulting in him being cut from the Colts in the 2023 season.
The Consideration of the Chicago Bears as Leonard’s New Home
Shaq Leonard, an acclaimed All-Pro linebacker and former notable player for the Indianapolis Colts, is currently a free agent. The search for his future in the NFL might tie him to the Chicago Bears. His past footballing relationship with Matt Eberflus, the Bears current head coach, substantiates the connection.
Although the Bears have a potent lineup of linebackers including T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds, and Jack Sanborn, CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan still considers a significant place for Leonard in Chicago. Sullivan stated that if Leonard aims to stay on in the NFL, even in a rotational role, the Bears could be a compelling option.
Revisiting the Eberflus Influence
The connection Leonard shares with Matt Eberflus, the Bears tactician, is an intriguing factor in this potential switch. Justin Melo of The Draft Network asserts that a move to Chicago would put Leonard back with the two most significant coaching figures in his NFL career. Eberflus was, interestingly, Leonard’s defensive coordinator at the Colts from 2018 till 2021, during which Leonard bagged three First-Team All-Pro selections.
Adding more depth to this reunion possibility, Leonard’s former position coach Dave Borgonzi also works with the Bears, under Eberflus. Revisiting these familiar professional ties could aid Leonard in rejuvenating his career.
The Story of Leonard’s Struggles and Resilience
After a blossoming start to his career with the Colts as a Defensive Rookie of the Year and record-breaking tackling statistics, Leonard endured a downturn in his career following a nerve-related back injury. Post his 2021 performance, Leonard was unable to regain his influential form. Consecutive surgeries in 2022 and 2023 further undermined his career, culminating in his departure from the Colts mid-way through the 2023 season.
Post Colts, Leonard joined the Philadelphia Eagles, but his five-game stint didn’t spark significant impressions, though it did include his first sack since 2020. Despite the fluctuations in his career, Leonard remains focused and hopeful of his next opportunity, willing to be patient and keep working on his fitness while waiting for the right situation.
With Eberflus’ influence and the possibility of reuniting with his former coaches, Chicago could well provide Leonard with the opportunity he eagerly seeks to revitalize his career. Even despite the existing strong line-up at the linebacker position for the Bears, Leonard’s addition could add more depth and strength. While only time will unveil Leonard’s NFL future, the thought of his linking with the Bears certainly offers a captivating prospect.