Former Indianapolis Colts standout Shaq Leonard is still a free agent, and his past connection with Bears head coach Matt Eberflus makes Chicago a prime destination for the All-Pro linebacker.
The Bears already have a strong LB group with T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds, and Jack Sanborn as starters. They also have solid depth with second-year LB Noah Sewell, Amen Ogbongbemiga, and 2023 UDFA Micah Baskerville competing for roster spots.
Nevertheless, Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports identified the Bears as one of three logical landing spots for the four-time All-Pro.
“If Leonard is simply looking to take on a rotational role to remain in the NFL, the Bears are an intriguing option,” Sullivan wrote on June 24. “He could be a solid depth piece at the position.”
Shaq Leonard Excelled Under Current Bears HC Matt Eberflus
Justin Melo of The Draft Network also believes Leonard joining the Bears would reunite him with “arguably the two most important coaches in his professional career.”
“Bears head coach Matt Eberflus was Leonard’s defensive coordinator in Indianapolis for four seasons (2018-21) and three First-Team All-Pro selections,” Melo wrote on June 24. “Leonard’s former linebackers coach Dave Borgonzi also holds the same title under Eberflus in Chicago. Reuniting with familiar faces could help get his career back on track.”
Leonard, turning 29 in July, was a second-round pick for the Colts in 2018. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year after leading the league in tackles (163 total, 111 solo) that season. He made four consecutive Pro Bowls and was named All-Pro four times (three first team, one second team) from 2018-2021. However, injuries during the 2021 season have hampered his performance since.
Leonard Was Released By the Colts During the 2023 Season
Leonard underwent surgery for a nerve-related back injury after the 2021 season, causing him to miss most of the 2022 season. He played just three games that year. After a second surgery in 2023, he played nine games for the Colts before being cut. He recorded 65 tackles (two for loss) in his final season with Indy.
The Philadelphia Eagles signed Leonard after his release, and he played in five games, starting three. While he didn’t dominate, he made more impact plays with the Eagles than with the Colts. In those five games, Leonard had two tackles-for-loss, a quarterback hit, and his first sack since 2020.
Currently, Leonard is waiting for the right opportunity.
“I’m just sitting back, getting the body healthy, and whenever the opportunity presents itself, we’ll give it a try,” Leonard told the Indianapolis Star on June 23. “I just continue to be me by working hard. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. I think I’ve had a great career, even if I do step away. … I’m enjoying life and just waiting on that opportunity.”
Given his history with Eberflus, it wouldn’t be surprising if that opportunity came in Chicago.
