Shaquille Leonard Signs With Eagles!

 The Eagles have landed an All-Pro linebacker to help bolster the defense. Shaquille Leonard has signed a 1-year contract with the Eagles. To help bolster and solidify the Eagles linebacker's core. What does this truly mean? And why did he choose the Eagles over the Cowboys? 

Eagles over Cowboys, why? 

This here is just my thought. Because truly we don't know exactly why he chose the Eagles over the Cowboys. Yet, it's a fun thing to think about why. So here is why I believe he chose the Eagles over the Cowboys. Personally, I believe he saw a more complete team in the Eagles. I'm not saying the Cowboys roster isn't good. But I am saying there's a proven winner at quarter back in the Eagles in his short career. That says a lot about Dak and what he's been able to do (nothing, yes shots fired.). During the season the Cowboys have been consistent whether or not they've played tough teams or not. But the games that matter the most they've failed to go anywhere during Dak's career. 

I believe Shaq saw a team that's main weakness was at linebacker. Which personally I believe is at DB. Yet, I believe that he saw that he could come in and start immediately. Which his playing time with the Colts this year has been minimum. He wants to show case he still has it at the age of 28. What better team to do it than the Eagles? He knew the Eagles needed help at linebacker and also knew that he would get all the playing time he was looking for. So, in this case it was a win, win for both sides. I'm looking forward to seeing how he helps this Eagles defense and how Desai uses him. 

Is he actually going to be an upgrade? And how is he going to help?

To answer this question immediately, the answer is yes. He is an upgrade at the position. Even with Zach Cunningham healthy. Zach has been playing very well when healthy this year. But he still has lots to learn. Having Leonard in there and starting is great! He's instinctive and is really good in the passing game. On top of that he's a turnover machine. Well, he was, but that doesn't mean he can't get back to that this season. The truth is, he has a really good team around him. And that's going to help him allow him to make plays. Another great thing about him is he is basically a sure tackler. Which in the game against the 49ers feels like is something we're missing.

He's going to be major help in the passing game and help close those gaps in the middle of the field. As well as be able to go against most TE's and help slow down the middle of the field against the pass. But don't sleep on his running defense. He's exceptional there too, I personally loved watching him during his time with the Colts. He's fast, strong, and smart. To be very honest I think this is the best linebacker we've had since DeMeco Ryans. Don't kill me here, but I do really feel that way. Hopefully he can show case he's still an elite LB in the league and resigns with the Birds on a long-term contract. 

Let's Go Birds! E-A-G-L-E-S! EAGLES!!!