Eagles, S McLeod agree to reworked deal

Rodney McLeod's 2018 season ended prematurely. His career with the Philadelphia Eagles, however, will not. The team and announced Thursday night they have reworked the safety's contract, freeing up cap space and keeping a player who almost certainly would have been cut otherwise.

McLeod, 28, sustained a season-ending knee injury in Week 3 of this season. He had two years remaining on his contract but was due $9.9 million in 2019 and $10.9 million in 2020, per Spotrac. With a relatively low dead-cap number, he was a candidate to be released. "It's a very exciting time," McLeod said, per the team's website. "Honestly, Philly is where I want to be. I'm glad we were able to get things done and handled early on. I really get to focus more on rehab and getting back out there with the boys and getting back to making plays for the team this year."

McLeod also said he expects to be ready in time for the start of the 2019 season. The team originally signed McLeod as a free agent from the then-St. Louis Rams in 2016. The Eagles also reworked his contract in 2017 to clear cap space.

In 97 career games (all starts since his rookie season in 2012), McLeod has 392 tackles, one sack, nine forced fumbles and 11 interceptions. The Eagles were expected to enter the offseason about $15 million over the cap. They also have a big decision to make with quarterback Nick Foles, whom they can let walk or pick up a $20 million option.

--Field Level Media