Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made his weekly appearance on 105.3 The Fan and discussed linebacker Shaq Leonard’s final decision to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Leonard signed a one-year deal with the Eagles on Monday after visiting them and the Cowboys last week. Although both teams are thin with linebacker depth, Leonard’s decision was made, and the Cowboys will continue relying on the youth in the room with Markquese Bell and Damone Clark.
This decision is untimely, as the Cowboys and Eagles play on Sunday Night Football in Week 14.
Jerry Jones’ Reaction To Shaq Leonard’s Decision
Jones mentioned the Cowboys’ interest in adding Leonard to the team, saying, “I want to point out that we certainly talked to him and were interested on a certain basis if he could come in. And he decided on Philadelphia, and that’s it. Let’s just do everything we can to make him wish he was on the winning side Sunday.”
The Cowboys owner said that, ultimately, Dallas wanted Leonard, adding, “We wanted him and we thought he had a place here.”
Jones went on to mention that despite Leonard’s decision, the Cowboys have talent in the current room. He said that money or a dollar amount for what Leonard wanted was never discussed when the two had lunch last week, meaning it was never a financial issue for the Cowboys.
MORE: How Can the Cowboys, Eagles, and 49ers Clinch Playoff Spots in Week 14?
Jones was asked if the team is in the market for a linebacker, to which he responded that the team is always in the market to improve at any position if the opportunity presents itself.
During the interview, Jones mentioned several times how bringing a player in at any position takes away opportunities from other positions to maintain the 53-man roster requirements.
“When you add one, you take away one someplace, and that one you took away is out there for a reason. And he was giving us something for a reason,” said Jones.
Jones also knows that the Cowboys could see Leonard on the field come Sunday, something the owner described as unique.
“It’s just a unique period of time… That’s just unique to me to think he can hit the ground running and be out there playing against us Sunday. But certainly, on an individual basis, wish him the best. He deserves that,” said Jones.
Only time will tell if the Eagles will utilize Leonard for Sunday’s game. Regardless, this adds even more fuel to an already burning fire between these two rival teams.
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