The Vikings have lost an All-Pro linebacker to the Eagles after he signed with them.

The Minnesota Vikings could have used another Pro Bowler in the midst of Brian Flores’ swarming defense, but it wasn’t to be.

After the Indianapolis Colts dismissed three-time All-Pro Darius Shaquille Leonard on November 21, Minnesota took a hard look at him, but the linebacker finally elected to play elsewhere.

“Leonard… has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles,” NFL.com’s Grant Gordon reported on Monday, December 4. “Leonard met with the Eagles on Wednesday after meeting with the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday.” He’s elected to stick with first-place Philadelphia for the stretch run as the reigning NFC champs seek a return to the Super Bowl.”

Last 2 Losses May Have Damaged Vikings’ Chances to Land Shaquille Leonard

On Thanksgiving Day, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported the Vikings’ interest in Leonard, barely 48 hours after his stint with the Colts ended prematurely.

“Leonard spent the last few seasons in Indy after signing a five-year, $98.25 million contract extension in 2021, but then injuries held him back,” he wrote. “Now, teams like the Eagles, Cowboys, Vikings, and others are ‘collecting information’ on him.” According to a league source, Leonard “may take his time making a decision.”

Leonard hasn’t stated publicly why he chose to sign with the Eagles before even meeting with the Vikings, but a quick read between the lines reveals that the 28-year-old linebacker is eager for his first Super Bowl title and believes Philadelphia offers him the best chance. If that’s the case, Minnesota’s two straight losses to the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears, which lowered the Vikings to 6-6, had to do with Leonard’s perception.

Following the injuries to wide receiver Justin Jefferson and quarterback Kirk Cousins, as well as the subsequent dip in QB Josh Dobbs’ play after earning national headlines for a few of weeks, the Vikings defense has taken on a disproportionate duty to keep the club competitive. The team only allowed 12 points to the Bears on Monday Night Football in Minneapolis a week ago, but four interceptions and 10 scores on offense lost the Vikings the game.

Philadelphia, like Minnesota, can provide Leonard with a formidable defense to join. However, the Eagles can also give him a consistent offense and a definite trip to the playoffs, both of which remain unknowns in Minneapolis as the club returns from its bye week.

Vikings Predicted to Stand Pat for Stretch Run, as Marcus Davenport Eligible to Return

With Leonard out of the picture, the Vikings are more likely to finish the season with the personnel they have.

“If the Vikings were going to add someone for the end-of-the-year stretch, it would have most likely happened during the bye,” Bleacher Report’s NFL Staff noted Monday. “They’re committed to working with the guys in the building, and Jefferson’s return should also help.” Plus, Marcus Davenport is now eligible to return off injured reserve, so the team is well-stocked.”

Davenport, who was sidelined by injury for much of the 2023 season, has appeared in just four games for Minnesota since signing a one-year, $13 million contract in the offseason. However, in those four games, he has tallied 6 pressures, 4 QB hits, and 2 sacks and could provide a major complement of output playing opposite Danielle Hunter, who has shown to be one of the top edge-rushers in the NFL this season.