Former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal, who was released by the team on Thursday, has cleared waivers. He is now a free agent.
The Steelers signed nose tackle Brodric Martin-Rhodes. However, they now have one roster spot free.’
Leal originally was released in August and then came back on the practice squad. After doing that, he was elevated to the active roster when Alex Highsmith went down with a high ankle sprain during the team’s Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Leal, the team’s third-round pick in the2022 NFL Draft, moved to outside linebacker full time this season, but has failed to make a tangible impact throughout the season.
Leal missed most of the 2024 season after suffering a neck injury against the Dallas Cowboys. He had surgery for that issue, but it has not limited him at all during the season.
A former third-round pick out of Texas A&M, Steelers coaches praised Leal as finally having a breakout summer in 2024, and it felt like he was starting to turn the corner. He could play inside or outside, but that took a turn. Now, in his fourth season, Leal became buried on the depth chart behind rookie Jack Sawyer.
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