The Green Bay Packers are becoming more confident every week after winning two straight games. Their biggest game of the season was coming up against the Detroit Lions in Week 12, and they were prepared. The Packers never looked back after leading by a score on their first drive of the game.
Jordan Love was on fire as the Packers took a commanding 23-6 lead into the half. The Packers never trailed, and even though a garbage time touchdown by Detroit made the final score 29-22, they never led. The Packers are in a genuine position to contend as the NFC Wild Card standings continue to change.
With six games left, the Packers are just one spot out of the final wild card spot and have to be feeling fairly confident about their chances. The Packers sit at 5-6, with both the Vikings and Seahawks at 6-5. If the Packers want to make a playoff push, they might want to sign a veteran or two for that leadership. As it turns out there is one veteran who may be able to help.
The Green Bay Packers Are Predicted To Pursue Veteran Linebacker Shaquille Leonard For Late Playoff Push
According to Peter Chawga:
Though the defense is in better shape than the offense, linebacker De’Vondre Campbell is among the injured players. And the team’s defensive struggles up to this point in the season might open the door for the addition of Shaq Leonard.
With the trade deadline passed, Shaq Leonard will now have to clear waivers before he officially becomes a free agent. He has a remaining $15.7 million in guaranteed base salary for 2023, and his current deal was scheduled to run through 2026. But if the Green Bay Packers believe he can make a significant difference on the field, they may do whatever’s needed to add him to the roster and make a last run at the playoffs.
Would It Make Sense For The Packers To Add Leonard?
Leonard had a nerve issue in 2022 and only played in three games last season after undergoing two procedures. He is a three-time AP All-Pro, three-time Pro Bowler, and 2018 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. Despite starting nine games for the Colts in 2023, he played mainly on first and second downs.
Prior to his surgeries, Leonard was on the field for more than 95 percent of the Colts’ defensive snaps in 2023.
Leonard was selected by the Colts with the 36th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, and he made an immediate impact. In 2018, Leonard had 163 tackles, two interceptions, four forced fumbles, 12 tackles for a loss, and seven sacks. In 2019, Leonard had five interceptions, and in 2021 he forced eight fumbles.
If De’Vondre Campbell is unable to stay on the field this season, adding Leonard would make a ton of sense.
