The Cleveland Browns added another body to their defensive line competition, claiming defensive tackle Patrick Jenkins off waivers from the New York Jets.
The Browns announced the move on Friday. Jenkins is listed at 6-foot-2 and 293 pounds and is officially entering his first NFL season.
Jenkins originally signed with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2025. He was waived before the regular season and later spent time on the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad.
The Jets brought Jenkins in for training camp before placing him on waivers. Cleveland will now give him an opportunity to compete during the final weeks of camp and the preseason.
It was part of a busy Friday for the Browns. Cleveland also signed offensive lineman Jack Conley and cornerback Jeadyn Lukus, waived wide receiver Jamari Thrash with an injury designation and linebacker Reid Carrico, and placed guard Kendrick Green on injured reserve.
Patrick Jenkins Built Strong Resume at Tulane
Jenkins played his college football at Tulane, where he developed into a disruptive interior defender.
His best season came in 2023, when he recorded 35 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. Jenkins earned first-team All-American Athletic Conference honors for his performance.
He followed that with 30 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and three sacks during his final season in 2024. He earned second-team all-conference recognition and finished his Tulane career with 115 tackles, 22 tackles for loss and nine sacks.
The Browns are not expecting Jenkins to immediately take on a significant role. However, his addition gives the coaching staff another developmental option to evaluate during the preseason.
Browns Continue Adjusting Defensive Line Depth
GettyJosh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills is sacked by Mason Graham #94 of the Cleveland Browns in the second quarter of the game at Huntington Bank Field on December 21, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Jenkins joins a defensive tackle room undergoing significant change. Former No. 5 overall pick Mason Graham remains a centerpiece of the Browns’ defensive front, while Cleveland also has Mike Hall Jr. and veteran Maliek Collins in the interior rotation. Collins has been sidelined during camp on the physically unable to perform list, creating additional opportunities for the team’s depth pieces.
The Browns recently claimed defensive tackle Coziah Izzard off waivers. Jenkins will be competing for a reserve role alongside Izzard and the other defensive tackles on the roster.
Cleveland’s defensive front is also adjusting to life without Myles Garrett following his offseason trade to the Los Angeles Rams. Jared Verse is expected to serve as the new headliner on the edge, but the Browns will need production from across the line to compensate for Garrett’s departure.
“The best version of me is going to be the best defensive player in the league, and the best defensive player in the league is going to play for the best defense in the league,” Verse said. “And that’s what I make myself a testament to.”
Jenkins faces an uphill climb with the preseason approaching, especially after joining the team late in camp. His first opportunity to make an impression could come when the Browns open their exhibition schedule against the Chicago Bears on Aug. 15.
Browns Add 293-Pound Ex-UFL Standout to Mix