Cleveland Browns Sign Safety

The Cleveland Browns have added an experienced starter to their secondary. The Athletic's Zac Jackson reports the team has signed former Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, and St. Louis Rams safety Rodney McLeod.

The Browns have agreed to terms with veteran S Rodney McLeod.

— Zac Jackson (@AkronJackson) May 4, 2023

McLeod made 17 appearances and 15 starts for the Colts last year, tallying career highs in total tackles (96), passes defended (8), and interceptions returned for touchdowns (1). He allowed a 98.6 passer rating on throws in his direction and earned an exceptional 80.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus for his efforts.

McLeod is an experienced, durable, and reliable safety, having started 138 games over his 11-year career. Terms have yet to be released on his contract, but given his age (33 years old) and status in the league, he's unlikely to receive the sort of money that guarantees a starting role. He'll probably compete with Grant Delpit and Juan Thornhill for snaps.

McLeod is a shrewd veteran addition for a Browns team ready to compete for a postseason berth in the AFC North. With starting quarterback Deshaun Watson's suspension behind him, the Browns are finally in a position to capitalize on last offseason's most controversial acquisition. McLeod will likely help out on defense, but the Browns' fate will ultimately depend on just how much Watson can elevate the offense. He struggled over six games in 2022, managing a mere 183.7 passing yards per game at a middling 5.24 net yards per passing attempt.

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