OXNARD, Calif. -- Of the many observers in NFL free agency this year, Los Angeles Rams safety Christian Bryant might have been among the most interested.
First, Bryant considers fellow safety Rodney McLeod a friend, and as McLeod approached his first taste of unrestricted free agency, Bryant wanted the best for him. But Bryant also had personal reasons to monitor McLeod's status.
Bryant spent the past two years recovering from an ankle injury and working his way from the practice squad to special-teams contributor on the active roster. With dreams of contributing on defense, Bryant was also well aware that if McLeod departed, it could open doors that were previously closed.