Overview
- Head coach Klint Kubiak said at the NFL combine the defense will shift to a 3-4 base under Leonard, with the flexibility to play four-down fronts.
- The scheme change resets offseason priorities toward securing a true nose tackle plus multiple linebackers for a thin front seven.
- All three starting linebackers from last season are set for free agency, highlighting urgent depth needs for the new alignment.
- Kubiak said he wants Maxx Crosby to remain with Las Vegas and indicated Crosby could align as an edge linebacker in the 3-4.
- Leonard was promoted from the defensive staff and, backed publicly by GM John Spytek, brings concepts shaped by Mike Macdonald and Brian Flores.