After an injury to teammate Daven Holly, McDonald started for the Cleveland Browns in 2008. He recorded 64 tackles, 11 assists and 5 interceptions. On December 15, 2008, against the Eagles, McDonald returned an interception, right before halftime, 98 yards only to be tackled out of bounds at the 7 yard line. This play set the record for the longest return in NFL history to not result in a touchdown. Later in the game, McDonald did return an interception 22 yards for a touchdown,