5 Key Details About Titus Leo's Cleveland Browns Signing And His NFL Journey

Contents

The Cleveland Browns have officially added a high-upside defensive piece to their roster, signing former sixth-round pick, defensive end Titus Leo, to a contract. This move, confirmed as of today, December 20, 2025, sees the Browns bolster their defensive line rotation with a player who possesses impressive collegiate accolades and a compelling comeback story from a significant knee injury. The transaction involved waiving wide receiver Chase Cota to create the necessary space on the 53-man roster, signaling the team's commitment to strengthening the trenches as the season progresses. Leo's arrival represents a low-risk, high-reward gamble on a player who has shown flashes of elite athleticism and pass-rushing potential.

The signing of Titus Leo is more than a simple roster move; it’s the latest chapter in a tumultuous yet determined NFL journey for the former Wagner Seahawks standout. After missing his entire rookie season due to injury, Leo has bounced around the league’s waiver wire, demonstrating the kind of grit and resilience that often defines successful defensive players. The Browns' coaching staff, known for developing defensive talent, will now look to unlock the potential that made him a highly decorated college star and a 2023 NFL Draft selection.

Titus Leo: Full Biography and Career Profile

Titus Leo’s path to the NFL is unique, beginning at a smaller school and featuring a rapid ascent before being derailed by injury. His profile provides a clear picture of the player the Cleveland Browns are acquiring:

  • Full Name: Titus Leo
  • Date of Birth: August 26, 1999
  • Birthplace: Sheepshead Bay, New York (Brooklyn, NY)
  • Height: 6’3” (190 cm)
  • Weight: 245–250 lbs (111–113 kg)
  • Position: Defensive End (DE) / Outside Linebacker (OLB)
  • High School: Sheepshead Bay High School (NY)
  • College: Wagner College (Staten Island, NY)
  • NFL Draft: 2023 NFL Draft, Round 6, Pick No. 211 (Selected by the Indianapolis Colts)
  • NFL Career Teams (Prior to Browns): Indianapolis Colts (2023), Tennessee Titans (Waiver Claim), Philadelphia Eagles (Practice Squad)
  • Notable College Accolades:
    • First-team FCS All-American (2021)
    • NEC Defensive Player of the Year (2020–21, 2021)
    • First-team All-NEC (2020–21, 2021, 2022)

The Contract Breakdown: What Titus Leo's Browns Deal Looks Like

The Cleveland Browns signed Titus Leo to a standard, short-term contract, reflecting his status as a player looking to prove his health and secure a long-term future in the league. The financial details provide insight into the team’s investment and the structure of the deal.

1. The One-Year, $915,000 Commitment

The contract Leo signed with the Cleveland Browns is a one-year deal valued at $915,000. This figure is a standard minimum salary for a player with his accrued experience (officially in his second NFL season). The contract is structured to give Leo a chance to compete for a roster spot and contribute immediately to the defensive end rotation, especially given the Browns' reliance on depth at the position.

For the Browns, this signing is highly favorable. It carries a minimal salary cap hit, allowing them to assess his recovery and performance without a major financial commitment. If Leo performs well, he could be a bargain; if not, the team has flexibility moving forward.

2. The Roster Move: Waiving Chase Cota

To finalize the signing of Titus Leo, the Cleveland Browns waived wide receiver Chase Cota. This is a common transaction to manage the 53-man roster limit. The decision to prioritize an extra defensive end like Leo over a depth wide receiver like Cota highlights the organization's focus on maintaining a deep and talented defensive line, a hallmark of their recent success.

Cota, a former undrafted free agent, had been competing for a spot, but the opportunity to add a high-pedigree pass-rusher like Leo off the waiver wire proved too tempting for the front office to pass up. This move underscores the competitive nature of NFL roster battles.

The Injury and Waiver Wire Journey: A Story of Resilience

Titus Leo's journey from a sixth-round draft pick to a waiver wire journeyman is directly linked to a significant injury he sustained early in his professional career. This backstory is crucial to understanding his current value and the potential impact he could have on the Cleveland Browns.

3. Missing the Rookie Season Due to a Knee Injury

Leo was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2023 NFL Draft, a high point for the Wagner football program. However, his rookie season was unfortunately wiped out due to a severe knee injury. The injury occurred early, forcing the Colts to place him on injured reserve, effectively sidelining him for the entire 2023 campaign. This setback is often difficult for young players, as they lose crucial development time.

His injury history is a key factor in his subsequent movement on the waiver wire. While he possesses the talent, the lingering questions about his durability and ability to return to his pre-injury form have made teams hesitant to guarantee him a long-term spot. The Browns are betting on a full recovery and a return to his previous athletic ceiling.

4. The Multi-Team NFL Odyssey

Before landing in Cleveland, Titus Leo had a whirlwind tour of the NFL waiver wire, demonstrating his value as a sought-after developmental prospect.

  • Indianapolis Colts: Drafted him but waived him after the injury.
  • Tennessee Titans: Claimed him off waivers, only to waive him later.
  • Philadelphia Eagles: Signed him to their practice squad for a brief stint.

This "waiver wire journey" is a testament to his persistent talent. Each team saw enough on film and in his profile to take a chance, indicating that NFL scouts believe he has the physical tools to succeed. The Browns are now the latest organization hoping to be the one to fully harness his potential after his recovery.

The Browns' Defensive End Depth and Leo's Fantasy Outlook

Leo’s role on the Cleveland Browns is clear: he is a rotational defensive end who will compete for snaps and provide depth to a highly effective pass-rushing unit. His versatility as a defensive end who can also play outside linebacker (LB) makes him a valuable addition to Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz's scheme.

5. Impact on the Browns’ Defensive Line Rotation

The Browns’ defensive line is a strength of the team. Leo will join a unit that features established veterans and high-motor players. His primary role will be as a situational pass-rusher and a rotational end, taking pressure off the starters and providing fresh legs in key moments. His athleticism, which was praised during the 2023 NFL Draft process, is a perfect fit for the aggressive, attacking style of the Browns' defense.

His college production—totaling 13 sacks and 40 tackles for a loss across his college career—shows his ability to disrupt the backfield. If he can translate even a fraction of that production to the NFL level, he will become an important depth piece for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

Fantasy Football and IDP Outlook

For Individual Defensive Player (IDP) fantasy football leagues, Titus Leo is currently considered a deep sleeper. While his talent is evident, his role as a rotational player means he is unlikely to be a reliable weekly starter in most formats.

However, he is a player to monitor closely. If a starter suffers an injury or if Leo earns a more significant snap count due to impressive play, his fantasy value could spike rapidly. Owners in dynasty leagues or leagues with deep benches should keep him on their watchlist as a high-upside developmental defensive end.

5 Key Details About Titus Leo's Cleveland Browns Signing and His NFL Journey
titus leo browns signing
titus leo browns signing

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