Linebacker Shaquille Leonard is no longer a member of the Colts.
The Colts waived Leonard on Tuesday. Colts owner Jim Irsay posted a message thanking Leonard for his work with the Colts and Leonard posted his own farewell message to Indianapolis on social media.
“Indy, I want thank you for accepting me and my family with open arms,” Leonard wrote. “The last six years have been nothing short of incredible! In good times and bad, you all stayed by my side. I apologize for not bringing this trophy back to 317. The energy from Lucas Oil has been nothing short of incredible and I thank you for every memory. I’m grateful to play for such an incredible fan base. I love you guys and wish the Colts the best. Maniacal.
Leonard was a second-round pick in 2018 and won Defensive Rookie of the Year while being named a first-team All-Pro. He would be named to the team two more times over the next three seasons, but back injuries limited him to three games last year and he saw a clean cut to his playing time during this season.
Leonard is owed more than $6 million for the remainder of this season and is under contract through 2026. Any team claiming him would inherit that contract, but he will be free to sign a new deal with any team as free agent if unclaimed.
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