Cleveland Browns sign Jim Leonhard

The Cleveland Browns have gotten a lot of recognition this offseason and it really hasn’t been for the reasons they’d hoped.

More from Cleveland Browns

• Browns release 2022 draft pick after allegations he threatened a woman
• Browns wave white flag against the Steelers months ahead of time
• NFL Power Rankings: Who is the best quarterback in each division?
• NFL Power Rankings: Which teams will have the best rushing attacks this season?
• NFL rumors: DeAndre Hopkins reunion with former quarterback off the table

First round pick Johnny Manziel is one of the most polarizing athletes and his exploits are chronicled at length while one of the team’s best players, wide receiver Josh Gordon, is facing a year long suspension.

On Wednesday, the Browns made a positive move, agreeing to a deal with one of the best free agents still available in Buffalo Bills’ veteran safety Jim Leonhard. Leonhard spoke the to the Green Bay Pacers, hoping to potentially return to his native state of Wisconsin, but it didn’t work out. The move will reunite him with Browns’ head coach Mike Pettine, who Leonhard played under with the Bills, Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets.

Leonhard broke the news himself via twitter.

Leonhard played for the Bills last season after appearing on the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad. He appeared in 16 games and made six starts. He had 41 tackles and made four interceptions. Leonhard, a former Wisconsin Badger, went undrafted in 2005 and was signed by the Bills. After three seasons in Buffalo, he joined the Ravens in 2008. He then followed former Baltimore Ravens’ defensive coordinator Rex Ryan when he was hired as the Jets’ head coach, signing with the Jets in 2009. After three seasons there, he joined the Denver Broncos for a year before singing with the Bills in 2013. He has 385 career tackles, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumbles recovered, 33 passes defended and 12 interceptions. He’s also returned 104 career punts for 972 yards.