Rodney

McLeod Jr.

McLeod and the Browns officially re-upped with one another on Monday. While the terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed, McLeod, who totaled 29 tackles in 10 games last season before suffering a torn biceps, will be back to help bolster a secondary that allowed the fewest passing yards per game in 2023. McLeod will be entering his 13th season as a pro next year, and while he may not be a high-end starter, he’s a serviceable vet who can help any defense.

McLeod suffered a torn biceps last season and was limited to just 10 games as a result. He started in five of the games he appeared in and totaled 29 tackles, two TFLs, and one pass breakup in limited action, but appears poised to return for his second season with the Browns. Next year will mark McLeod’s 13th as a pro. While it’s possible the vet has lost a step due to his age, he remains a valuable veteran in the Browns’ top-flight defense.

McLeod suffered the injury in the Browns’ Week 11 win over the Steelers. The veteran safety who joined the Browns earlier this offseason has appeared in 10 games, which includes five starts. McLeod will undergo surgery in the coming days, as his year ends with 29 tackles, two TFLs, and one pass defensed.

McLeod appeared in all 17 games for the Colts last year and was credited with 15 starts. He broke up eight passes and picked off two throws, one of which he took to the house. Entering his age-33 season, McLeod is still a strong safety in coverage. He will slot in as the team’s third safety after Grant Delpit and Juan Thornhill.

These players can be pulled off PUP at any time during camp. Leonard had back surgery and it was never expected that he’d be ready for the start of camp. Lewis missed the back half of the season with a knee injury. Strachan hadn’t been cleared to practice yet. McLeod ended the season on IR after an ACL tear. The team also placed DT Eric Johnson on the non-football injury list.

McLeod appeared in and started 13 games for the Eagles in 2021, racking up 58 tackles, four pass defenses, and two interceptions in the process. When healthy, McLeod was taken off the field sparingly. The 31-year-old defensive back can play multiple positions but excels as a coverage safety. With Gus Bradley, the Colts’ new defensive coordinator, running Cover 3 constantly, a safety who can drop into coverage for an entire game was a glaring need. McLeod fills that gap perfectly and should assume a starting role for Week 1.

McLeod suffered his second torn ACL in the last three seasons in Week 14. The timing of the injury puts him in danger of missing the start of next year. McLeod was having a good season before going down, posting 66 tackles, 3 TFLs, and an interception in 13 games. McLeod’s $3.75 million guaranteed salary locks in his 2021 roster spot.

Philadelphia’s secondary was ravaged by injuries in Week 14 against the Saints. S Rodney McLeod (ACL) is done for the year, Slay is in the NFL’s concussion protocol, and CB Avonte Maddox (knee) is expected to miss some time. The Eagles starting their B-team secondary against Arizona this week could mean good things for Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins.

McLeod is one of three starting defensive backs the Eagles lost on Sunday. Omar Epps and K’Von Wallace are finishing out the game at safety.

The move comes the same day the Eagles let Malcolm Jenkins walk, as well as reportedly move Jalen Mills to safety. McLeod returned from a torn ACL to start all 16 games and play 99.8 percent of the Eagles’ snaps last season. Three months shy of his 30th birthday, McLeod picked off two passes, forced two fumbles and registered a sack in 2019.