The Denver Broncos' defense has turned it around. After a historically bad start to the 2023 season, Denver's defense has flipped the narrative, evolving into one of the most opportunistic units in the league.
Despite the improved play by Vance Joseph’s guys as of late, the Broncos appear to be in the market for veteran help.
According to ESPN's Ed Werder, Denver is one of the few teams that have been connected with recently waived linebacker Shaq Leonard from the Indianapolis Colts.
"My sense is Cowboys defensive coaches have encouraged front office to sign Shaq Leonard. Cowboys, Eagles and Broncos have shown interest, per source. Cowboys view as instinctive, role player. Source with another team believes his movement/speed diminished by back surgeries," Werder reported on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini’s recent report listed the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys as teams showing interest in signing Leonard, and now Werder is tossing the Broncos into the mix.
Entering the league in 2018, Leonard emerged as one of the best linebackers in the NFL. As a rookie, he led the NFL in tackles, earned first-team All-Pro honors, and was selected as the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Leonard’s stretch of excellence would continue the next four seasons as he would accumulate three first-team and one second-team All-Pros, as well as three Pro Bowl nods. His play would earn him a five-year, $98.5 million contract extension with $52.5 million guaranteed from Indianapolis.
Unfortunately for Leonard and the Colts, the injuries he sustained with his physical play style began to add up. The back injuries specifically gave Leonard trouble.
Having had two separate surgeries on a back vertebral disc bulge in June and November of 2022, Leonard simply does not appear to be the same player he was earlier in his career. With his dip in play and his massive contract, the Colts parted with Leonard, who passed through waivers earlier this week.
Denver’s defense is better, but it certainly could add more talent. Despite the historic turnover run the Broncos are currently on, the defense is struggling to stop opposing teams consistently, ranking 29th-ranked defense in success rate since Week 5
Furthermore, after a solid showing last year, linebacker Alex Singleton has struggled for Denver this season, missing a lot of tackles and struggling in coverage despite the large volume of tackles he has earned. The Broncos also don’t appear ready to turn to 2023 third-round pick Drew Sanders, who struggled mightily earlier this season when called upon.
Josey Jewell has his limitations, but he has been consistent this season overall. At the very least, Leonard would add competition and a veteran presence to the position.
Leonard is not the perennial All-Pro talent he once was, and Broncos Country should not expect that. It also seems likely that other teams interested in him might be more desperate at linebacker and willing to pay more than Denver.
The Broncos are looking to continue adding talent and improving their front seven, which is a good sign for the mindset of this front office, coaching staff, and organization. Denver is a legit playoff contender, pushing to improve to give itself a better shot.
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