Former All-Pro linebacker Darius Shaquille Leonard has signed with the Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year deal.
The Eagles' Week 13 loss against the San Francisco 49ers highlighted glaring weaknesses in the defense which will need fixing if they are to reach a second straight Super Bowl.
The arrival of former Indianapolis Colts LB Leonard should be a step in the right direction for the Eagles.
The 2018 Defensive Rookie of the Year is still only 28 years old, and as recently as 2021 forced the most fumbles in the league with eight.
Leonard left the Colts last month after developing frustrations with the franchise over a lack of playing time.
An injury hit 2022 season - which included just one start - was ended in Week 10 when Leonard reaggrevated a back injury which ruled him out for the rest of the season.
ESPN reported that Leonard had told the Colts last month that he was almost back to his old form after recovering from his injuries, and said to reporters, "I honestly don't know what to do".
On 21 November, Leonard was waived by the Colts and was the subject of immediate attention from the Dallas Cowboys and Eagles.
Ultimately, the Eagles won the race for the linebacker, who could now make his first start for Philadelphia against Dallas in a crucial Week 14 game at the top of the NFC East.