Rodney McLeod #26 of the Cleveland Browns
When the Cleveland Browns signed Rodney McLeod last season, it added a formidable safety to their roster. McLeod, a Super Bowl winner with Cleveland’s defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz in Philadelphia, joined Grant Delpit and Juan Thornhill in the revamped secondary.
However, injuries plagued this group, with McLeod landing on the IR in November due to a torn biceps. Now healthy and ready for 2024, McLeod has re-signed with the Browns for one final season, which he says will be his last in the NFL.
McLeod, who turns 34 before the season starts, feels he has unfinished business in Cleveland.
“This is the last lap for me. It’s been a long career,” McLeod told Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. “I’m looking forward to rocking out with my teammates this year, giving it all, and hopefully ending up where we want to be, which is the last dance at the end of the year.”
After his playing career, McLeod is interested in media work. He participated in the NFL’s Broadcast Boot Camp last year and was a guest analyst on NFL Network’s Total Access.
Undrafted in 2012, McLeod has carved out a long and successful NFL career. Entering his 13th season, he boasts 718 tackles, 18 interceptions, 61 pass defenses, 11 forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries, and three defensive touchdowns.
The Browns’ defense, capable of leading a team to the Super Bowl, struggled with health issues in 2023. Despite these challenges, they managed to keep winning, but the numerous injuries made a title run difficult.
If the Browns stay healthy this year and get Nick Chubb back at full strength, they have a solid chance to be contenders. For McLeod, achieving the ultimate goal would be a fitting end to an impressive career.
