FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — In a surprising move ahead of their Week 7 clash against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium, the New England Patriots have shaken up their roster by signing former New York Jets defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III to their practice squad. The acquisition of the 6’3”, 305-pound lineman comes at the cost of parting ways with tight end Marshall Lang and defensive lineman David Olajiga, a move that has sparked conversation among fans and analysts alike.
A Strategic Addition to the Defensive Front
Leonard Taylor III, a 23-year-old standout, joined the Jets as an undrafted free agent in May 2024 after a notable collegiate career at the University of Miami. His signing with New England marks a bold move to bolster the Patriots’ defensive line, especially as they prepare to face a Titans offense known for its physicality.
Taylor’s resume speaks for itself. During his time with the Jets, he played in 14 games last season, amassing 24 total tackles, 4 tackles-for-loss, 4 quarterback hits, and 1.5 sacks. This season, he appeared in two games for New York, recording three tackles before being waived on October 15, 2025. His size and versatility make him a valuable addition to a Patriots defense looking to add depth and disruption.
Before his NFL career, Taylor was a force at Miami. As a true freshman in 2021, he recorded 21 tackles and two sacks in nine games. His junior year in 2022 saw him notch 24 tackles, three sacks, and an interception, showcasing his ability to impact both the run and pass games. Despite going undrafted in 2024, Taylor’s potential remains undeniable, and the Patriots are betting on his ability to develop further.
Roster Moves to Make Room
To accommodate Taylor’s signing, the Patriots made the tough decision to release tight end Marshall Lang and defensive lineman David Olajiga from their practice squad. Lang, a 6’4”, 252-pound tight end, was signed by New England just two days prior to Taylor’s arrival. Originally a rookie free agent with the Seattle Seahawks out of Northwestern, Lang was released by Seattle on August 26, 2025. During his college career, he appeared in 47 games, recording 48 receptions for 491 yards and four touchdowns.
David Olajiga, a 6’3”, 310-pound defensive lineman from London, England, was also let go to make room for Taylor. Olajiga, who joined the Patriots on July 20, 2025, spent the previous season on the Los Angeles Rams’ practice squad as part of the International Pathway Program. A product of Central Missouri, he recorded 98 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and four blocked kicks in 32 college games. His release marks the end of a brief stint with New England, but his unique journey from London to the NFL suggests he may yet find a home elsewhere.
A Busy Week for the Patriots’ Practice Squad
Taylor’s signing is the third addition to the Patriots’ practice squad in just three days, signaling an aggressive approach to roster management. Earlier this week, New England added safety Richie Grant and tight end Thomas Odukoya, while releasing tight end Gee Scott, Jr. and defensive back Tyron Herring. These moves reflect the team’s ongoing efforts to fine-tune their depth as the season progresses.
What This Means for New England
The acquisition of Leonard Taylor III from a division rival like the Jets is a statement move by the Patriots. Not only does it weaken a competitor, but it also brings a young, high-upside player into the fold. Taylor’s combination of size, athleticism, and collegiate production could make him a key contributor as the Patriots aim to solidify their defensive front.
As New England prepares for their matchup against the Titans, all eyes will be on how Taylor integrates into the team’s defensive schemes. With his physical presence and knack for disrupting plays, the former Jet could prove to be a steal for the Patriots, potentially paving the way for a bigger role in the future.
This trade has sent shockwaves through the NFL, and fans are eager to see whether this “giant” addition will pay dividends for New England in the weeks to come.