Jim Leonhard signs with Pettine in Cleveland

[swiper]

Jim Leonhard reunites with Mike Pettine in Cleveland

Posted by Josh Alper on July 30, 2014, 6:07 PM EDT

AP

Safety Jim Leonhard said recently that he had spoken to the Packers about coming aboard for the 2014 season, but the Wisconsin native never reached agreement on a deal with the team.

He won’t have to leave the Midwest to play football this year, though. Leonhard tweeted on Wednesday afternoon that he has signed a contract to play for the Browns.

The move reunites Leonhard with Browns coach Mike Pettine, who was an assistant on Ravens, Jets and Bills teams that featured Leonhard. That year with the Bills came in 2013, when Leonhard started seven times and played all 16 games for a defense coordinated by Pettine. Leonhard had 41 tackles and four interceptions in Buffalo.

With that kind of familiarity and a thin group of backup safeties, the late start to camp shouldn’t hurt Leonhard much. Donte Whitner will hold one starting safety job for the Bills and Tashaun Gipson is pencilled in alongside him, although Leonhard could change that if Pettine decides to go with what he knows come the regular season.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...-in-cleveland/

[ServoBillieves]

Maybe he can smack some sense in to Whitner. Glad to see him on an NFL roster.

[Homegrown]

He won’t have to leave the Midwest to play football this year

Cleveland is in the Midwest? ...

[The Jokeman]

Leonard is the new definition of "systems guy". He's following Pettine everywhere, it wouldn't shock me to see him maybe eventual land a coach job under Pettine when he's set to retire.

[Mace]

Leonard is the new definition of "systems guy". He's following Pettine everywhere, it wouldn't shock me to see him maybe eventual land a coach job under Pettine when he's set to retire.

Did really well doing it too, pretty much matched Byrd last year without half the ability and a lot more wear. Next addition to the Ryan coaching tree.

[better days]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...-in-cleveland/

I'm happy for Leonhard.


But I don't want Whitner starting at safety for the Bills............................I can't believe nobody caught that.

[stuckincincy]

Leonard is the new definition of "systems guy". He's following Pettine everywhere, it wouldn't shock me to see him maybe eventual land a coach job under Pettine when he's set to retire.

Likely so. I'm sure he's a great student of the game, and playing safety is a position that rewards smarts.

[swiper]

Cleveland is in the Midwest? ...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midwestern_United_States

[swiper]

But I don't want Whitner starting at safety for the Bills............................I can't believe nobody caught that.

Saw it prior to posting it. Left it to see who would pick it up. You're not as dumb as you look.