Cleveland Browns Bolster Defensive Line, Sign DE Julian Okwara
The Cleveland Browns have added more depth to their defensive line, officially signing former Detroit Lions defensive end Julian Okwara. The move, announced by the team on Wednesday, brings in a talented yet injury-challenged pass rusher with upside who will look to rejuvenate his career in Cleveland.
Okwara, a third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame, spent the past four seasons with the Detroit Lions. Known for his quick first step and ability to get to the quarterback, Okwara showed flashes of promise during his time in Detroit but was often sidelined by injuries that limited his availability. In total, he appeared in 29 games over four seasons, recording 8.0 sacks, 27 total tackles, and two forced fumbles.
Despite the inconsistency in playing time, Okwara remains an intriguing player due to his athleticism and versatility. At 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, he fits well in a rotational pass-rushing role and can line up in different spots along the defensive front. With Cleveland already possessing one of the league’s top edge rushers in Myles Garrett, Okwara’s addition gives the Browns another tool in their pass-rushing arsenal.
The Browns have made it clear this offseason that they intend to build a deep and dynamic defensive front. With Jim Schwartz entering his second year as the team’s defensive coordinator, the Browns’ defense is expected to continue its aggressive, pressure-heavy philosophy. Okwara’s skill set meshes well with Schwartz’s scheme, which emphasizes speed off the edge and creative blitz packages.
This signing is also a low-risk, potentially high-reward move. Okwara comes to Cleveland likely on a short-term deal, giving him the opportunity to prove he can stay healthy and productive. For the Browns, it’s a chance to find value in a player who was once considered a top-tier talent in college and had second-round buzz leading up to the 2020 draft before slipping slightly due to durability concerns.
In a division featuring elite quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson, bolstering the pass rush is a priority. With Okwara in the mix, the Browns continue to invest in their defensive identity, hoping to pressure opposing offenses into mistakes and take some of the load off their secondary.
Training camp will provide Okwara the stage to earn a role in the rotation. If he stays healthy and adapts quickly to the Browns’ system, he could emerge as a valuable piece of a defense looking to take another step forward in 2025