Does Safety Rodney McLeod Think He'll Be Back With The Browns Next Year?

The 12-year vet was one of an excessive number of players who finished the season on the IR for the Browns, yet still managed to finish 11-6 and clinch a playoff berth as a wild card team. Unfortunately, the magical run came to an end at the hands of the Houston Texans on Wild Card Weekend, 45-14. While McLeod would have much rather been on the field with his teammates he made the most of the memorable ride.

"We were battle tested I think from Week 2 all the way through," McLeod said. "I think our identity last year was perseverance and that was demonstrated by countless individuals of our team. We're calling guys off the street like Joe Flacco, who was somewhere on his couch, playing backyard football with his kids and now he's throwing for 300 yards and leading us to the playoffs. That's just a testament to the leaders on the team, the coaching staff and the culture that we formed there.

"I think there's a lot to build upon and a lot for us to celebrate despite not ending up in Vegas this upcoming weekend."

Before landing on the IR in Week 11, McLeod compiled 29 total tackles, two for a loss and one pass breakup as a backup safety for Cleveland. McLeod did start five of the 10 games he played in as well and was a crucial voice in the Browns locker room.

It remains to be seen whether or not general manager Andrew Berry and team brass will look to bring back McLeod. At the very least, now they know he has a desire to return in 2024.