Just days after veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith stunned the team by announcing his retirement, the Philadelphia Eagles signed defensive end Titus Leo to the practice squad. They also added tight end Jaheim Bell. Both are young and athletic, each bringing a unique skill set that could help the Eagles down the road.
Let’s take a closer look at both players, as well as where Philadelphia’s defensive end (DE) and tight end (TE) rooms stand heading into Week 7.
### A Closer Look at New Philadelphia Eagles TE Signing Jaheim Bell
Jaheim Bell, 24, arrives in Philly after spending his rookie season with the New England Patriots last year. He appeared in 15 games, mostly playing on special teams, while also catching two passes for 20 yards. Bell played 83 offensive snaps and 176 on special teams before being waived in August.
A seventh-round pick (No. 231 overall) in the 2024 draft out of Florida State, Bell earned a reputation as a Swiss Army knife in college. He lined up all over the field — as a traditional tight end, in the slot, and even in the backfield. That versatility is part of what makes him appealing to Philadelphia as they navigate Grant Calcaterra’s lingering oblique injury.
In 2021 at South Carolina, Bell recorded 30 receptions for 497 yards and five touchdowns. After transferring to Florida State, he continued to impress with 39 receptions for 503 yards and two touchdowns in 2023. He also handled the occasional carry and screen work, showcasing yards-after-catch ability that could eventually translate to the NFL level.
For now, Bell projects as a special teams contributor and a potential 12- or 13-personnel chess piece if the Eagles need to elevate someone in a pinch.
### A Closer Look at New Philadelphia Eagles DE Signing Titus Leo
Titus Leo, 26, has been a bit of a journeyman over the past few seasons. A sixth-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 2023 out of Wagner College, Leo spent his rookie season on injured reserve before bouncing between the Colts, Patriots, Titans, and Browns.
He appeared in four games for New England in 2024, logging four tackles and a pass breakup. Now, he lands in Philadelphia with an opportunity to stick as a developmental edge presence.
At Wagner, Leo was a dominant force, amassing 234 tackles (40 for loss), 13 sacks, and six forced fumbles while winning back-to-back NEC Defensive Player of the Year honors and earning FCS All-America recognition.
### Eagles’ Defensive End Room After Smith’s Retirement
Leo joins an Eagles edge rusher group that suddenly looks thinner following Za’Darius Smith’s retirement. With the veteran gone, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has said the team will rely on a committee approach to fill the void.
The current group includes Josh Uche, Azeez Ojulari, Jalyx Hunt, and Patrick Johnson, with Leo now providing insurance on the practice squad and potential special teams help if injuries strike.
“We always respect the guy’s decisions, personal decisions, and the guy had a great career, did fine when he was here with us. He was good to be around and we wish him the best,” Fangio said about Smith’s sudden retirement. “We’ll have to absorb those snaps up with the rest of the guys and we’ll make it work.”
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With these new additions, the Eagles hope to reinforce their depth and maintain competitiveness as the 2024 season progresses.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/philadelphia-eagles/sign-titus-leo-jahiem-bell/