Report: Browns had interest in FS Rodney McLeod before he signed with Eagles

Three months ago, the top free agent on my wishlist for the Cleveland Browns was FS Rodney McLeod of the Rams. Like FS Tashaun Gipson, I viewed him as a young, up-and-coming safety, except that McLeod had shown more growth in a contract year. No news materialized on McLeod-to-Cleveland as he quickly signed with the Philadelphia Eagles on a 5-year, $37 million deal.

Earlier today, Jimmy Kempski, formerly of SB Nation and who covers the Eagles, noted that the Browns were one of three other teams who made "similar offers" for McLeod before he opted to sign with Philly:

Rodney McLeod had offers in free agency from the Jaguars, Browns, and Buccaneers. Offers were similar to Eagles' offer, money-wise.

— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) June 3, 2016

After missing out on McLeod and cleaning out their previous starters (Gipson via free agency, SS Donte Whitner via termination), the team decided to stick with several youngsters without much starting experience and also signed a veteran who struggled last year in Rahim Moore. It is interesting to keep it in the back of your mind that the team sought a top-tier free agent safety at one point in the process.