S Rodney McLeod
Age: 25
Height: 5-10
Weight: 195
Last team: St. Louis Rams
2015 stats: 82 tackles, 5 pass breakups, 1 interception and 3 forced fumbles in 16 starts
The one piece the Eagles absolutely needed to add in free agency was a safety. They can find a guard in the draft, and there seem to be succession plans in place at corner and linebacker. Safety, on the other hand, was the great, big question mark that McLeod finally answers.
A three-year starter for the Rams, two things jump out immediately about McLeod -- he only turns 26 this year and hasn't missed a game in four NFL seasons. The latter tidbit is all the more impressive when you take into account his reputation for being a big hitter. Though a tad undersized, McLeod is a sure tackler who can help against the run, and while lacking elite athleticism, he makes up for it in coverage with his instincts and football IQ.
McLeod signed a five-year, $37 million contract with $17 million guaranteed, so he doesn't break the bank, and there's a very real chance the best days are still ahead for this former undrafted free agent out of Virginia. A tandem of Malcolm Jenkins, who can play inside the box and man up against slot receivers, and McLeod, a smart, fundamentally sound centerfielder, could very well go on to form one of the best safety duos in the league.
McLeod's ability will be tested playing behind a wide-nine front, which can put a lot more responsibility on the safeties. However, worst case scenario, even if he doesn't pan out, the Eagles should be able to get out from under his contract in relatively short order.
Grade: A