Jerry Jones Speaks Out on Cowboys Linebackers and Possible Interest in Shaq Leonard

The Dallas Cowboys recently faced a setback after losing veteran linebacker Leighton Vander Esch to a season-ending neck injury, which led to him being placed on injured reserve on October 16. In a surprising turn of events, another veteran linebacker Shaquille Leonard became a free agent after clearing waivers this week.

On Monday, the Indianapolis Colts made the decision to cut Leonard.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones addressed the situation after the team’s victory over the Commanders, revealing that the front office had a “short meeting” about Leonard prior to the game.

“We’ll see how we do with our evaluation and look at him pretty good,” Jones said. “I know a lot of teams are looking at him, so I don’t want to give an indication of the degree of our interest with him.”

Jones commended starter Damone Clark and the team’s other linebackers, including Rashaan Evans and Markquese Bell.

“We’ll just evaluate that,” Jones said. “I sure like the way overall we’re playing – our linebackers are playing. I won’t be commenting right now whether Leonard is a viable alternative for us or not.”

The Philadelphia Eagles, who are also dealing with linebacker issues due to Nakobe Dean’s season-ending Lisfranc injury, are another team that could potentially pursue Leonard.

When asked if he sees the Eagles as competition for Leonard’s services, Jones responded, “Well, it doesn’t. . . . Every time, they seem to be making some good decisions over there personnel-wise. I like our linebackers. So, I don’t want to imply one way or the other my interest in Leonard.”