Darius Leonard and the Colts are on the verge of a new deal (Twitter link via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com). Once completed, it’s expected to be a four-year extension worth upwards of $19MM per year.
“You know what you’ve done, and you know what you deserve,” Leonard said earlier this year, an indication that he wouldn’t be giving Indy much of a hometown discount. “Hopefully, they see as much value as I see.”
On Wednesday, the 49ers locked up All-Pro Fred Warner with a five-year, $95MM extension. That deal made him the highest-paid inside linebacker in NFL history, but it doesn’t sound like he’ll hold that mantle for long. Even though Leonard’s deal will be slightly shorter, his AAV is expected to trump Warner’s $19MM/year. Meanwhile, Seahawks star Bobby Wagner — making $18MM annually — will drop to No. 3 on the ILB earnings list.
Taken with the No. 36 overall pick in 2018, Leonard was an instant difference maker for the Colts. He’s proven to be a great second-round value, though his slot did not provide Indy with a fifth-year option. As a result, he’s currently on course for free agency in the spring of 2022.
Leonard, 26 in July, made an All-Pro team in each of his first three seasons. That includes his first year when he also captured the Defensive Rookie of the Year trophy.
Better player than Warner
For fantasy purposes? Sure. On the actual field? Definitely not.
Leonard beats Warner in every stat and anyone watching can see that he does it all on the field
He’s a great tackler. Plays the whole field. Splitting hairs sating whose one and two
Splitting hairs between whose 2 and 3 maybe… Big Dog Baby Wagner is on top of the list.
In what way?
1.Wagner
2. Leonard
3. Warner (1 season of production)
u been watching the Niners?
This was not out of nowhere- he’s been producing since day 1 and gradually getting better to the level he’s at today
1A Warner
1B Leonard
7 Wagner
2-6?
Warner and Leonard are different players playing in different systems. Quit trying to compare the two as if they both are tasked with doing the same things.