The Eagles are building their defense a different way, and signing safety Rodney McLeod will be big part of the change in philosophy.
The departure is another blow for the Rams secondary, which has been picked apart over the past 24 hours. Janoris Jenkins signed with the Giants on a massive deal that included nearly $30 million worth of guaranteed money. The Rams are hoping a thinning pass rush can make up for the loss.
McLeod is a relative bargain at the price. He will be 26 before the start of the 2016 season and is coming off a year where he had a career-high four interceptions and three forced fumbles. Alongside Malcolm Jenkins, Philadelphia may be building one of the more formidable safety nets in football. Jenkins was arguably the best player at his position in 2015 and McLeod was not far behind.
He has also never missed a game in his four NFL seasons.
The move marks another solid step taken by the Eagles under Howie Roseman once again. Roseman has been able to shed uncertain assets for draft pick compensation and sign quality players in their absence. If he is able to get a cornerback out of this offseason or draft, it wouldn't be hard to imagine the Eagles in playoff contention.