The Cleveland Browns continue to adjust their defensive roster by adding Titus Leo, a former New England Patriots player who was originally signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Leo, a promising edge rusher out of Wagner College, spent his rookie season on the Patriots’ practice squad before being released earlier this offseason. Now, the Browns are taking a chance on the 24-year-old, hoping he can develop into a rotational pass-rusher and add depth to their defensive front.
Leo’s journey to the NFL has been anything but conventional. A standout at Wagner, an FCS program, he earned First-Team All-NEC honors in 2022 after recording 7.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. Despite his production, he went undrafted, largely due to concerns about the level of competition he faced. However, his athletic traits—including a 4.68-second 40-yard dash and a 36-inch vertical jump at his pro day—caught the attention of scouts. The Patriots took a flier on him, and though he didn’t see regular-season action, he gained valuable experience practicing against NFL-caliber linemen.
For the Browns, this signing is a low-risk, high-reward move. General manager Andrew Berry has shown a willingness to mine the undrafted and practice squad markets for hidden gems, and Leo fits that mold. Cleveland’s defensive end room is anchored by Myles Garrett, one of the league’s premier pass-rushers, and Za’Darius Smith, a proven veteran. However, depth behind them remains a question. Ogbo Okoronkwo showed flashes last season, and Alex Wright is still developing, but adding another young, athletic edge could pay dividends—especially if Leo can contribute on special teams while refining his technique.
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has a history of maximizing the potential of pass-rushers, and Leo’s skill set aligns well with Schwartz’s aggressive, attacking scheme. At 6’4” and 245 pounds, Leo has the length and burst to develop into an effective situational rusher. His biggest challenge will be adjusting to the speed and power of NFL offensive tackles, but with the right coaching, he could carve out a role as a sub-package defender.
The Browns’ decision to sign Leo also reflects the broader reality of NFL roster construction. With injuries a constant factor—especially along the defensive line—having multiple developmental options is crucial. Leo will compete with other young edge players like Isaiah McGuire and Sam Kamara in training camp, and if he shows enough progress, he could earn a spot on the practice squad or even the active roster.
For Leo, this is another opportunity to prove he belongs in the league. The transition from a small-school standout to an NFL contributor is never easy, but his athleticism and motor give him a chance. If he can refine his pass-rush moves and improve his run defense, he could follow in the footsteps of other overlooked prospects who eventually became impact players.
Ultimately, this move won’t make headlines, but it’s the kind of under-the-radar signing that can pay off in the long run. The Browns are betting on potential, and if Leo can take advantage of this opportunity, he might just become another success story in Cleveland’s ongoing defensive resurgence.
### **The Browns’ Defensive Strategy Under Jim Schwartz**
Since Jim Schwartz took over as defensive coordinator in 2023, the Browns’ defense has undergone a significant transformation. Known for his aggressive, wide-nine front, Schwartz emphasizes getting after the quarterback with relentless pressure. Last season, the Browns ranked among the league leaders in sacks, thanks in large part to Myles Garrett’s dominance and the complementary play of Za’Darius Smith.
However, sustaining that level of production requires depth. The NFL season is a marathon, and injuries can derail even the most talented units. By adding Leo, the Browns are ensuring they have multiple options to keep their pass rush fresh. Schwartz’s system thrives on rotation—keeping defensive linemen at peak energy levels to maximize their effectiveness in critical moments. If Leo can develop quickly, he could see snaps in obvious passing situations, where his speed off the edge could be an asset.
### **The Importance of Developmental Players**
Every year, undrafted free agents and practice squad players emerge as contributors. The Browns have had success in this area before, with players like Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (a second-round pick who fell due to concerns about his size) and Donovan Peoples-Jones (a sixth-round receiver who became a key target) proving that talent can be found outside the early rounds.
Leo fits into that category—a player with raw tools who needs refinement. The Browns’ coaching staff, including defensive line coach Ben Bloom, will work on improving his hand usage, counters, and ability to set the edge against the run. If he can make strides in those areas, he could become a valuable piece of the defense.
### **Training Camp Competition**
Leo’s path to the roster won’t be easy. The Browns have a crowded defensive end group, and he’ll need to outperform other young players to earn a spot. His biggest advantages are his athleticism and special teams potential. If he can show value in kick coverage while flashing as a pass-rusher in preseason games, he could stick around.
The Browns have until the end of training camp to evaluate whether Leo is worth keeping. If he doesn’t make the 53-man roster, he could be a prime candidate for the practice squad, where he can continue developing without taking up an active spot.
### **Final Thoughts**
The signing of Titus Leo won’t shift the balance of power in the AFC North, but it’s a smart, calculated move by the Browns’ front office. In the NFL, depth is everything, and finding hidden gems can be the difference between a good defense and a great one. Leo has the tools to succeed—now it’s up to him to make the most of this opportunity.
For the Browns, this is another step in building a defense that can compete with the best in the league. If Leo can develop into even a rotational player, it will be another win for a team that has shown a knack for finding talent in unexpected places.
