Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
It was all about the takeaways.
Roquan Smith wanted to be paid like Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard, who blossomed into a star in Matt Eberflus’ defense in Indianapolis and signed a five-year, $98 million contract in 2021. But while Smith was a two-time All-Pro, he didn’t have Leonard’s knack for game-changing plays —responsible for 30 takeaways in his first four seasons to only six for Smith.
That’s why Eberflus backed the Colts’ signing Leonard to a five-year, $98.