Shaq Leonard scheduled to visit Cowboys this week
The Dallas Cowboys are one of the top teams not just in the NFC, but in the NFL. They are not far behind the Philadelphia Eagles for first place in the NFC East division and are firmly in a playoff spot if the season ended today. Teams in playoff positions will always look to bolster and improve their roster.
Last week, the Indianapolis Colts shockingly announced they released linebacker Shaq Leonard from his contract. After clearing waivers, Leonard is now a free agent and can choose to sign with any team. Speaking of teams, one team linked to Leonard was the Dallas Cowboys. Fans saw this and now are wondering when the Cowboys will speak to Leonard about a potential contract.
Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News reports that Leonard is expected to visit the Cowboys this week, but there is no set date.
The Cowboys' defense is stacked as is, given how well they have shown to get to the quarterback and force turnovers. But there is a void on the linebacker depth chart. Leighton Vander Esch is out for the season after suffering a neck injury during the team's Week 5 game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Leonard is a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2018) and a three-time Pro Bowler, so he has the resume. But Leonard has dealt with injuries in recent years, notably missing time in 2022 due to a back injury. This season, Leonard voiced his frustration over his role with the team.
In 10 games this season, Leonard recorded 65 total tackles (34 solo, 31 assisted) and two tackles for loss.
It will be interesting to see if this late-season visit will result in the Cowboys signing Leonard. Let's not forget that last year they brought in wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. for a visit, only for him to leave without a contract.
Cowboys are seemingly the 'coach-killers' this season
The Dallas Cowboys have been one of the better teams this regular season. Of course, fans want this to translate to the playoffs and make it past the Divisional Round, something they haven't done since the 1995 season. But something is intriguing about this regular season, it's what happens to their opponents.
Mike Fisher of Sports Illustrated made the case that the Cowboys could be the "coach killers" this season, referencing the Washington Commanders firing defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmeyer. This decision came one day after the Cowboys beat them 45-10.
Fisher brings up a variety of coaches who are on the hot seat that lost to the Cowboys this season. Of course, there's Rivera, who lost on Thanksgiving to the Cowboys. Brandon Staley is navigating a disappointing season for the Los Angeles Chargers, who lost to the Cowboys 20-17 in Week 6. The New England Patriots lost 38-3 in Week 4, and Bill Belichick could be on his way out with the team being one of the worst in football. Another example Fisher brings up is Frank Reich, whose Carolina Panthers lost 33-10 last week and have a 1-10 record. Reich could be one-and-done.
It's a really interesting point Fisher brings up. A true coincidence.
The Cowboys are playing at a high level right now. Sure, they suffered a blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers, an upset defeat by the Arizona Cardinals, and a narrow 28-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. After Week 12, the Cowboys are on a three-game winning streak.
Cowboys fans want to see results in the playoffs from the Cowboys and head coach Mike McCarthy.
Bill Belichick to replace Mike McCarthy after season?
Mike McCarthy has been a polarizing figure during his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. While he did have success and a Super Bowl title with the Green Bay Packers, his tenure did end after 12 games in the 2018 season after missing the playoffs the year prior. Thus far with the Cowboys, McCarthy has just one playoff win in two trips.
Even with the team 8-3 on the season, could the Cowboys opt to fire him?
During an appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show," The MMQB's Albert Breer discussed the possibility of the New England Patriots moving on from head coach Bill Belichick after the season. Breer mentioned the Cowboys and the Washington Commanders as the teams "most connected" to Belichick.
The Cowboys moving on from McCarthy for Belichick would be something. That would certainly be worth going back to once the season ends.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is adamant about winning another Super Bowl, something he hasn't done since the aforementioned 1995 season. With McCarthy at the helm, they made the playoffs in 2021, only to lose in the Wild Card Round to the San Francisco 49ers, highlighted by the Cowboys being unable to spike the football in time after a scramble by quarterback Dak Prescott. Last season, the Cowboys picked up a 31-14 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round. But in the Divisional Round, the Cowboys lost a winnable game against the 49ers by the score of 19-12.
McCarthy seems to have the Cowboys rolling this time around. The offense is humming, while the defense is its usual dominant self. But none of that matters if the team doesn't get to the NFC Championship Game at minimum.
As for Belichick, the Patriots are now 2-9 on the season after their 10-7 loss to the New York Giants in Week 12. In all likelihood, they will be picking in the Top 5 of the 2024 NFL Draft. What remains to be seen is if Belichick will be around the team to make the selection.
There is still so much time left in the season, so we'll have to come back to this "Belichick to the Cowboys" talk down the road.