The Dallas Cowboys are still in a battle with the Philadelphia Eagles to sign free agent linebacker Shaquille Leonard. According to multiple reports, the three-time All-Pro left Dallas on Tuesday, November 28, without a deal and was expected to visit the Eagles on Wednesday.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini and Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz reported on X (formerly Twitter) that Leonard was expected to make a decision over the weekend.
Leonard’s visit with Dallas “went well,” posted Russini, and he “had a successful visit with the Cowboys,” according to Schultz, who also wrote: “Shaq Leonard has multiple suitors and Philly is eager to get him in the building with the hopes of signing him for its playoff run.”
Cowboys fans are sure to take this as a bad sign, while Eagles supporters have to feel better about their chances with a potential close-out visit. There is also a chance Leonard will visit other teams if he does not immediately sign with Philly.
Cowboys Rumors: Shaq Leonard May Be Trying to Leverage the Eagles to Land Best Deal
If Cowboys fans are looking for a silver lining in the reports, Dallas has more cap space to play with than Philadelphia. Spotrac estimates Dallas has $10.8 million in remaining cap space compared with Philadelphia’s $1.7 million.
That said, if Leonard wants to sign with the Eagles, then chances are general manager Howie Roseman will find a way to make it happen. Visiting both teams (and potentially others) makes the most sense for Leonard to land the most lucrative deal.
“I just mentioned, this is the plan. Dallas isn’t ‘allowing’ anything,” CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson noted on November 28. “It’s Shaq Leonard’s decision. From a business standpoint, it makes sense to lean into leveraging his market & this NFC East free agency battle.”
The Dallas Cowboys Remain in Contention to Sign Shaq Leonard
Anderson also added that the Cowboys remain very much in contention to sign Leonard and that it is not a bad sign for Cowboys fans that Leonard did not ink a deal while in Dallas. Anderson also hinted that Leonard’s medical evaluation did not appear to raise alarm bells for the Cowboys.
“Also as for Leonard’s visit with the Cowboys, my understanding is the feeling in Dallas is he can contribute,” Anderson posted on X. “Don’t read anything into Leonard not signing right away. Leonard is being given room right now to make a decision; though if Leonard chooses Dallas the current* expectation is that he would not play this weekend.”
Eagles Rumors: Shaq Leonard Could Visit With Additional Teams Outside Philly & Dallas
Don’t be surprised if Leonard visits additional teams beyond the Eagles and Cowboys. NFL Network’s Jane Slater reported that Leonard planned to visit with “a couple other teams.”
“I’m told LB Shaq Leonard has left the Star in Frisco,” Slater tweeted on November 28. “Per a source ‘he’s going to visit a couple other teams before making a decision.’”
The Eagles and Cowboys rumors are going to keep swirling until Leonard reveals his decision. Leonard has connections with former teammates and coaches on both teams.
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Shaquille Leonard’s Cowboys Decision Delayed Despite ‘Successful’ Visit