Dallas Cowboys standout Micah Parsons has a history of openly advocating for star players to join the team in Dallas. Recent rumors have circulated regarding Shaq Leonard’s visit to Dallas on November 28, 2023.
Parsons has taken steps to encourage Leonard to consider signing with the Cowboys. During his regular show, “The Edge,” Parsons strategically positioned Leonard’s No. 53 Colts jersey in the background. When asked if this gesture hinted at a potential signing of Leonard with the team, Parsons played it coy.
“I’m not giving anything away just yet,” Parsons stated during a November 27 episode. “Let’s wait and see what happens next week when he visits Dallas on ‘The Edge.’ Tune in to find out if Shaq will become a Dallas Cowboy or not.”
The potential signing of Shaquille Leonard would not only bolster the defense for the Dallas Cowboys but also prevent the three-time Pro Bowler from joining the Eagles. Dallas is competing with Philadelphia and possibly other teams interested in Leonard’s services. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Leonard is set to visit both Dallas and Philadelphia.
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“Free-agent three-time All-Pro LB Shaquille Leonard is visiting today [November 28] with the Dallas Cowboys and, as per a source, ‘should be visiting later this week’ with the Philadelphia Eagles,” Schefter tweeted on November 28.
However, there seems to be uncertainty surrounding Leonard’s visit with the Eagles. Dianna Russini of The Athletic mentioned that there hasn’t been a specific visit scheduled with Philadelphia. The possibility of the meeting arises if Leonard concludes his visit to Dallas without securing a deal.
“All-Pro LB Shaquille Leonard is currently visiting with the Cowboys, and as per my information, the Eagles do not have a scheduled visit yet,” Russini explained on November 28. “The hope in Philly is that if he leaves Dallas without a deal, they could potentially sign him. Additionally, other teams are in discussions with Leonard’s camp expressing interest.”
Micah Parsons isn’t the only advocate for bringing Shaquille Leonard aboard the Dallas Cowboys. ESPN’s Ed Werder reported that defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is also keen on having Leonard join the team. The Cowboys likely intend to conduct a thorough medical evaluation of Leonard, given his history of multiple back surgeries in recent years.
“Shaq Leonard is set to visit the Cowboys today,” Werder tweeted on November 28. “Dan Quinn wants him on the roster. The fact that he’s visiting indicates the team has likely resolved most concerns about his health.”
The level of Leonard’s future contributions to his next team remains uncertain. Despite his impressive track record as a three-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro, and the 2018 Defensive Rookie of the Year, questions linger about his ongoing performance.
Indianapolis made the surprising decision to release Leonard on November 21. Despite his availability, Leonard went unclaimed through waivers, rendering him a free agent. For the Cowboys, there’s a bit more cap space to work with compared to the Eagles.
“Regarding a potential Shaq Leonard signing: Eagles have only $2 million in cap space, per OTC,” mentioned 94 WIP Philadelphia’s Eliot Shorr-Parks on November 27. “The Cowboys have $6 million. Howie can likely manage the money, but the Eagles have limited space, whereas the Cowboys have more flexibility if it comes down to a bidding war.”
Jonathan Adams covers the NFL and NBA for Heavy.com, focusing on several teams including the Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Los Angeles Lakers. His work has been prominently featured on various sports platforms such as NFL.com, Yahoo Sports, Pro Football Talk, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report, and Sports Illustrated.
