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The Indianapolis Colts made a shocking personnel move Tuesday, releasing sixth-year linebacker Shaquille Leonard.
Leonard, 28, a 2018 second-round pick, made four Pro Bowls and four All-Pro teams in his first four seasons, including three first-team All-Pro selections.
However, injuries limited him to three games in 2022, and despite starting nine games this fall, Leonard’s overall playing time dipped and he was deemed expendable by the Indianapolis decision makers.
“Indy, I want to thank you for accepting me and my family with open arms,” Leonard said in a statement. “These past six years has been nothing but incredible! Through the good times and bad times y’all stood by my side.”
Indy, I thank you 💜 pic.twitter.com/VxMa1VU2IA
— Darius Shaquille Leonard (@dsleon45) November 21, 2023
Leonard now heads to waivers, where any team that claims him would assume $6.1 million in salary for the remainder of this season.
Leonard is under contract through 2026, and is due almost $55 million over the next three seasons.
With the Colts, Leonard finished with 614 tackles, 17 forced fumbles, 15 sacks, 12 interceptions, seven fumble recoveries and 31 passes defensed in 70 regular season games.Â