When asked by local reporters if he’s fully back to his playmaking ways, Indianapolis Colts star linebacker Shaquille Leonard had an unexpected answer.
The 2023 offseason for the Indianapolis Colts was dominated by multiple headlines. One of the most prominent was the recovery of Colts defensive captain and mainstay linebacker Shaquille Leonard. After sustaining a nerve injury to derail his 2022 season, Leonard would have surgery and start the long road to recovery from a very tricky lower-back issue.
However, fast-forward to Week 8 of 2023, and the Colts linebacker had put up his highest tackle totals of any game this season, even if it was in a 38-27 losing effort to the New Orleans Saints. Leonard would grab 11 total tackles in that game and looked better than he has at any point this year.
However, when he was asked if it was finally his time to shine on defense, Leonard was somber and replied with something that most likely wasn’t expected by anyone with a recording device in the slightest.
Dave Griffiths from Fox 59 posted on X:
“Shaq Leonard does not seem happy with his continued, limited role with the Colts.
‘Gonna be similar, maybe even worse.’
‘They say I don’t make enough splash plays, so I guess I’ll still be watching for a little bit.’”
It seems like Leonard believes he’s “there,” but Indy does not.
This isn’t what any Colts staff member, especially Shane Steichen and Gus Bradley, wants to hear from their star defender that the team has invested a lot in. Currently, Leonard commands an immense contract, sitting at five years, $98.5 million.
Currently, Leonard is in Year 2 of that contract, but the Colts have a potential out from it in 2024. This clause throws a whole different factor into this unforeseen issue.
For the season, Leonard has played in 7 games and logged 46 tackles and two tackles for loss. The former four-time All-Pro (3-First Team), three-time Pro-Bowler, and Defensive Rookie of the Year (2018) doesn’t sound pleased with his current situation.
Given his contract details and how Indy may be able to evade a massive payload to Leonard if they want out, will this be something to monitor once the season is over? It’s a tough league when it comes to recovering from huge injuries. We’ll have to watch and see if Leonard can show the coaches enough proof and convincing that he deserves a starter’s workload and a future with Indy.
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