Browns News: Rodney McLeod Agrees to Contract After Colts, Eagles Stints

Veteran safety Rodney McLeod is reportedly signing with the Cleveland Browns, according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic.

He's expected to serve as a depth piece behind starting safeties Grant Delpit and Juan Thornhill.

The 32-year-old McLeod spent his first four NFL seasons with the St. Louis Rams (2012-15) before a six-year stint with the Philadelphia Eagles (2016-21), where he won a Super Bowl in 2017.

He played for the Indianapolis Colts last season, posting 96 tackles (eight for loss), two interceptions, a defensive touchdown, eight passes defensed and a fumble recovery. He appeared in all 17 games, starting 15.

It was a strong bounce-back year for McLeod, who set career highs in tackles, tackles for loss and passes defensed.

But he seemed torn about whether he was going to continue his NFL career following the 2022 season.

"We give so much sacrifice for the game and for the sport. It takes a lot of our time and our bodies," he told Nate Atkins of the Indianapolis Star in January. "You have to take a step back and have those tough conversations to determine what's best going forward."

In Cleveland, he'll be reunited with his former defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, with whom he spent five seasons in Philadelphia. His ability to play either deep down the field as a free safety or closer to the line of scrimmage in a strong safety role will make him a nice depth piece for the Browns.

He's one of four offseason additions to the secondary, joining Thornhill and cornerbacks Mike Ford and rookie Cameron Mitchell.