Key Takeaways
– The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost two key defensive players, Devin White and Shaq Barrett, in the offseason.
– Sports analyst Brad Smith believes the Buccaneers should sign free-agent linebacker Shaquille Leonard.
– Leonard had a successful NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts from 2018 to 2021.
– He is seeking a new team after being waived by the Colts and Eagles successively.
– The Buccaneers already signed one free-agent linebacker, Randy Gregory, in April 2024.
Sudden Loss: Shaking Up Buccaneers’ Defense
In an unexpected blow to its defense, Tampa Bay Buccaneers started the year minus two pivotal players. Linebackers Devin White and Shaq Barrett departed with the free agency season, signing with Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins, respectively.
Despite signing Lavonte David, a seasoned linebacker, on a 1-year, $8.5 million contract, the Buccaneers still need some reinforcements. Enter Shaquille Leonard, an uncommitted four-time NFL All-Pro linebacker.
Possible Addition: Shaquille Leonard to the Buccaneers
Brad Smith from The Pewter Plank believes Leonard is the best option for the Buccaneers. Leonard signed a 5-year, $98.5 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts in 2021 but was waived in 2023 due to disputes over playing time. With $7.5 million in cap space, the Buccaneers have enough budget to offer Leonard a veterans’ standard minimum contract.
The addition of Leonard to the squad, coupled with David and Britt could elevate Tampa Bay’s defense from last season. With Leonard’s experience, he could provide necessary guidance to the Buccaneers’ young locker room.
Who is Shaquille Leonard?
Previously known as Darius Leonard, he was one of the NFL’s elite linebackers from 2018 to 2021, after being drafted by the Colts in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft from South Carolina State. During this time, he garnered accolades such as NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2018 and was nominated for four consecutive NFL All-Pro Teams from 2018 to 2021, and for three straight Pro Bowls from 2019 to 2021.
Leonard led the NFL with 163 tackles in 2018 and with 8 forced fumbles in 2021. However, a string of injuries and subsequent surgery led to reduced playing time, and he ended up leaving the team in 2023, having just spent six seasons in the NFL.
Buccaneers and Free-Agent Linebackers
The Buccaneers already made one off-season free-agent linebacker acquisition. They signed Randy Gregory to a 1-year, $3 million contract in April 2024, but he made headlines for missing minicamp without any excuse. Gregory, who earlier signed a 5-year, $70 million contract with the Denver Broncos, has had a history of off-field issues, a baggage Leonard doesn’t carry.
Thus, Brad Smith’s proposal of signing Shaquille Leonard seems not only strategically sound but cap-friendly too. So, the Buccaneers’ fans may want to keep an eye out for the possible signing of this former $98.5 million All-Pro linebacker.