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After signing RB Robbie Rouse as a tryout player on Saturday, it looks like the team might be ready to sign another one of their 20 tryout players to the roster: NT Nick Jean-Baptiste. Jean-Baptiste reported the news on his Twitter feed Sunday afternoon:
Officially a Brown now! Feeling so blessed to have another opportunity in the NFL, but the work isn't over. This is only the first step...
— Nick Jean-Baptiste (@NickJB90) May 12, 2013
A few hours later, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal cautioned that the signing of Jean-Baptiste does not sound official yet, even if it does end up happening soon:
Ex-Baylor NT Nick Jean-Baptiste may be on verge of signing w/ #Browns after trying out but deal not done yet. Could become official Monday.
— Nate Ulrich (@NateUlrichABJ) May 12, 2013
This is an interesting signing because the 6-1, 335-pounder played for Baylor, meaning he was formerly a teammate of the Browns' Phil Taylor. Jean-Baptiste isn't a rookie either. He was an undrafted free agent in 2012 who spent time in training camp with the Baltimore Ravens before later landing on the practice squad of the Indianapolis Colts. Taylor was quick to welcome Jean-Baptiste to the team:
Congrats to the homie @nickjb90. Welcome to the team #Browns #BaylorBoys
— Phil Taylor (@PhilTaylor98) May 12, 2013
The Browns do have a lot of depth on the defensive line, but Jean-Baptiste could challenge Ishmaa'ily Kitchen for the backup nose tackle position in camp.