Free agent safety Jim Leonhard is set to retire following the 2014 season, according to ESPN's Mike Rodak. He is set to hit the open market, but his impending retirement would mean that he is just looking for a one-year deal.
Jim Leonhard to retire following the 2014 season
A well-traveled, long-time NFL safety is getting ready to call it quits after next season. Jim Leonhard’s 11th season will be his last.
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The 10-year veteran spent last season with the Bills, the team that he started his career with in 2005 as an undrafted free agent. Leonhard served as a veteran presence in a young backfield that was without Pro Bowl safety Jairus Byrd for much of the season. He appeared in all 16 games last season, while starting seven of them. He finished the season with 30 tackles and a career-high four interceptions.
Leonhard has had productive and successful career based not only on his entrance into the league but his size as well. The 5-foot-8, 188-pound defensive back is built in the old school style of a safety. He is currently among the shortest and lightest defensive players in the league.
Still, Leonhard has had stints with Buffalo, Denver, Baltimore and the New York Jets in his career. He is a favorite of new Browns head coach Mike Pettine and could close out his career in Cleveland. The Browns may let T.J. Ward walk in free agency, but even if they choose to franchise tag him, they will still need at least one other starter. Leonard could serve as a nice stop-gap starter and special teams gunner for the Browns as they transition into their third coaching regime in three seasons.
Leonhard is not much a play-maker but has proven to be capable of creating big plays. He has 12 interceptions, 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in his 10-year career. He also has 33 pass breakups since 2007.
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