Gone Today, Claimed Tomorrow: Titans Waste No Time Grabbing Patriots Castoffs

In the fast-paced world of NFL roster management, it doesn’t take long for one team’s trash to become another team’s treasure. That was the case this week when the New England Patriots parted ways with two defensive players—safety Mark Perry and linebacker Titus Leo—only to see both claimed less than 24 hours later by the Tennessee Titans.

The Patriots made the cuts as part of their post-draft strategy to open up roster space for their new class of rookies, including highly-touted additions like offensive lineman Will Campbell and running back TreVeyon Henderson. But while New England fans were still processing the moves, Tennessee made sure these players didn’t stay unemployed for long.

Mark Perry, 23, is a versatile defensive back who played college football at Colorado before transferring to TCU. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Miami Dolphins in 2023, then briefly spent time with the Houston Texans before landing on the Patriots’ practice squad. Despite signing a reserve/future contract with New England in January, Perry didn’t see any game action during the 2024 season. Known for his athleticism and coverage instincts, Perry now heads to Nashville with a fresh opportunity to make an impression in a Titans secondary that ranked just 22nd in coverage last season.

Titus Leo, on the other hand, brings slightly more NFL experience to the table. A sixth-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2023 draft, the Wagner College product was praised for his relentless motor and special teams potential. After being released midseason, he joined the Patriots in November and made four appearances, primarily on special teams. Leo recorded four solo tackles, a pass breakup, and earned a 68.2 Pro Football Focus pass rush grade. Despite his efforts, he became a casualty of New England’s roster crunch—but the Titans saw enough to believe he still has more to offer.

Tennessee’s quick action speaks volumes about where the franchise sees potential improvement. Under new head coach Brian Callahan, the Titans are looking to reshape a defense that struggled mightily in 2024, finishing tied for 28th in pass rush efficiency. Adding players like Perry and Leo is part of a low-risk, high-reward strategy aimed at bolstering depth and injecting energy into their defensive unit.

For both Perry and Leo, the message is clear: opportunity knocks loudest after disappointment. They’ve gone from being waived to being wanted—and now, they’ll report to a new rookie minicamp with something to prove. While their NFL journeys have already taken unexpected twists, the road to redemption may just run through Tennessee.

As New England shifts its focus to developing its rookie class, the Titans are betting that the Patriots gave up on these players too soon. Time will tell, but if either Perry or Leo makes an impact in 2025, Tennessee will look like the smartest team in the room.