Early Birds: Brandon Brooks on his contract; Rodney McLeod emerges from undrafted ranks; Ron Brooks hopes for bigger role
1)Brandon Brooks signed a five-year deal with $40 million that makes him the highest-paid right guard in the NFL and tied for the second highest-paid guard, according to overthecap.com. That's a position that does not receive much attention, and Brooks understands there's a responsibility that comes along with making that type of money.
"Yes, and no," Brooks said. "Will I put extra pressure on myself because of the contract? No. But at the same time, that's why I'm [delaying school]. At this point in my life, 100 percent of the time in-season and offseason now, I feel like if you're going to pay me, every second I need to be breathing it, living it. That's kind of how I look at it."
Brooks, who graduated from Miami (Ohio), has been taking graduate classes at the University of Houston to earn a master's in business administration. Although he maintains an interest in finishing his studies, Brooks is now going to wait until his NFL career is complete.
"At this point in time, signing a new contract, honestly, what I think I'm going to do is defer until I'm done, focus 100 percent on football and do that," Brooks said. "I can always go back. School will be there. I continue to read the paper and keep myself up to date with current affairs."
2) Rodney McLeod went undrafted in 2012. There were 13 safeties selected that year. The highest-drafted safety, Tavon Wilson, signed a two-year, $3.2 million last week. McLeod signed a five-year, $35 million deal. His contract makes him the 12th highest-paid safety in the NFL based on average annual salary – and the highest from his draft class.
"I expected to be drafted," said McLeod, whose size (5-10, 195 pounds) did not help his draft stock. "St. Louis gave me an opportunity. I don't know why [other teams passed]. I don't know why some teams didn't take that chance, but I'm here today a better man than I was four years ago – got better as a player – and that's all I can ask for."
McLeod was a backup in his rookie season with the Rams, and he started the next three years. That put him in position to earn the big contract last week.
"Just hard work, honestly, great coaching, and taking coaching every day and applying it to the field," McLeod said. "I've been doing it since high school."
3) The least heralded player the Eagles signed last week was defensive back Ron Brooks. He is expected to provide depth and value on special teams. But Brooks has bigger sights.
"I'm trying to come out to be the starting corner," Brooks said. "I'm not here to sit and take a back seat to anyone. Just as I would expect the same mentality from [others]. …Nobody's looking to be a backup."
Brooks started three games in four years with Buffalo and he knows the defense, so it's not out of the question. Plus, the Eagles lack experience in the defensive back. But it's more likely that Brooks becomes a core special teams player for the Eagles.
"I'm looking forward to being a gunner, punt returner, kickoffs – I'll kick the field goals," Brooks said. Whatever needs to be done."
The field goal comment was made in jest, although he mentioned that he's tried it before.
"Thirty-eight yards – so I don't know if they want me to kick for distance," Brooks said, "but I'll definitely give it a try."