The Eagles let free agent linebacker Shaq Leonard leave Wednesday without signing a contract yet remain a finalist for his services along with the Dallas Cowboys, per the NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport.
While a decision could come at any time, the speculation is that Leonard will make up his mind over the weekend.
Though Leonard might be a better fit schematically in the Cowboys’ defense, he has a relationship with Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni from their time together with the Indianapolis Colts.
Leonard underwent a physical, having had a couple of back surgeries last year. He’s averaged seven tackles in nine games this season before the Colts let him go.
“It was good just to be able to catch up with him and relive some memories and also talk a little bit about what this building is,” Sirianni said. “I want Shaq to make the best decision for him. I’ve called him a bunch the past couple of days. Shoot, he’ll make the best decision that’s best for him. He’s a good person.”
The Eagles were short at linebacker before veteran Zach Cunningham injured his hamstring in the overtime win over Buffalo.
It was a strange day for Sirianni, who got to work early to spend time with Leonard while game-planning for Sunday’s showdown at Lincoln Financial Field against the San Francisco 49ers.
Cunningham didn’t participate in a walk-through Wednesday, according to the Eagles. Also abstaining were tight end Grant Calcaterra (ankle), defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (groin), safety Justin Evans (knee) and tight end Dallas Goedert (forearm).
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Eagles kicker Jake Elliott was named NFC special teams player of the week for the third time this season after banging a 59-yard field goal into the rain and wind with 20 seconds left Sunday to send the Eagles and Bills to overtime.
Jalen Hurts then won it with a walk-off 12-yard scoring run.
Elliott is the first Eagle to win player of the week three times in a season since kick returner Darren Sproles in 2014.
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DeSean Jackson formally will retire as an Eagle Friday, and the electrifying receiver will be honorary captain for the 49ers game.
Jackson always will be known for his epic walk-off 65-yard punt return defeating the Giants at the Meadowlands Dec. 19, 2010. That feat never gets old for Eagles fans as it capped a stunning comeback from a 21-point deficit with eight minutes remaining.
The Eagles prevailed, 38-31, behind four unanswered TDs.
“What made DeSean truly stand out during his accomplished 15-year career was his ability to make miraculous plays look routine,” Eagles CEO Jeffrey Lurie said in a team statement. “We all remember him scooping up the football in New York on that fateful evening in December 2010 and veering his way into the end zone for what is now famously referred to as the ‘Miracle at the New Meadowlands.’”
Jackson is the first NFL player to earn Pro Bowl honors at two positions in the same season (kick returner and wide receiver) in 2013. He tied the NFL record with eight touchdowns of 50-plus yards in a single season.
Jackson’s 52.8 yards per score average during the 2009 season was the highest in NFL history among players with at least 10 touchdowns in a season. He’s just the second NFL player score touchdowns receiving, rushing and on punt return in his first three seasons.
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NOTES >> Eagles veterans Brandon Graham and Darius Slay co-host a bowling/toy collection event Monday, Dec. 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. for Make-A-Wish Philadelphia at Brooklyn Bowl, located at 1009 Canal Street in Fishtown. Admission will cost at least one new toy that will be donated to Make-A-Wish. … The Eagles’ Kelly Green overtime victory over Buffalo was CBS Sports’ most watched national game in 16 years. The game averaged 30.901 million viewers, up 32 percent over last year’s comparable window. It is the highest figure since the Nov. 14, 2007, game between Indianapolis and New England, which drew 33.819 viewers. The Eagles-49ers Fox telecast this Sunday could challenge those ratings.
Source: Berkshire mont