Every team is prepared to go into the playoffs and possibly win a division title when the season kicks off.
It takes experiences, though, to truly come together as a team. At that point, the veterans are counted on to assemble and concentrate the roster. They are aware that things happen, and what transpires next determines whether the franchise can carry on or fail.
The Cleveland Browns have already lost QB Deshaun Watson, RB Nick Chubb, RT tackle Jack Conklin, and KR Jakeem Grant for the remainder of the season. LB Jacob Phillips, OG Drew Forbes, WR Michael Woods, CB Cameron Mitchell, and Jordan Kunaszyk are among the backups.
Subsequently, following Sunday’s triumph against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the coaching staff was informed that S Rodney McLeod would be included in this list.
While the others are undoubtedly tragic, McLeod led this outstanding defense with unwavering steadiness. Trey pass interceptions, sacks, tackles, or any other defensive stat was not being used to evaluate the seasoned veteran’s quietly excellent season. On the field, he served as a coach, tutor, and defensive coordinator.
During the fourth quarter of Pittsburgh’s victory, McLeod sustained a biceps injury that will require surgery to heal. Since then, he has been placed on injured reserve, where he will stay for the duration of the season. Adding to this catastrophe, the other beginning safety
Other than Vincent Gray and Tanner McCallister from the practice squad, D’Anthony Bell and rookie Ronnie Hickman will now play alongside starter Grant Delpit as the team’s safeties.
The Browns placed McLeod on injured reserve on Tuesday, and since they haven’t signed a player to replace him, a roster spot is available. The Browns should explore the free-agent market in order to bolster the depth of the safety room.
It’s not like this new player needs to start right away or even receive a ton of snaps. However, there would be an additional warm body to occupy the role. It’s possible that Bell and Hickman will replace McLeod, but that’s not guaranteed. Maybe the Browns will just add McCallister or Gray to the starting lineup. They will have to sign someone if not.
Cleveland could add any of the following five safeties to its active roster:
Collins, a former New York Football Giants second-round selection, got off to a quick start. In high school, he excelled in track and was a five-star football recruit. He was selected to the Pro Bowl three times and was named to the First Team All-Pro in 2016 following an outstanding career at Alabama where he was named Unanimous All-American.
He is an excellent tackler who finished his first four seasons in the league with 112, 125, 104, and 96 total tackles along with eight interceptions. After that, he agreed to a six-year, $84 million deal with Washington, where he mostly served as a hybrid linebacker/safety. He had 117 tackles in his rookie campaign. He only played seven games due to a foot injury he sustained in 2021.
Collins only appeared in six games with one start after re-signing with the Giants. Ninety-five games played, 95 starts, 12 picks, 691 total tackles, 42 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 17 QB hits, 5 forced fumbles, 41 pass defenses, and two defensive touchdowns comprise his career stats. In 2022, he received a Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 65.0.
