It has been an offseason of change for the New England Patriots. After making the bold decision to move on from Jerod Mayo after one season and bringing in Mike Vrabel as the head coach, the Patriots have been revamping the roster since free agency officially kicked off last week.
They notably broke the bank for three defensive veterans, Carlton Davis, Milton Williams, and Robert Spillane, while adding Morgan Moses, Mack Hollins, and Joshua Dobbs on the offensive side of the ball.
This meant that the Patriots had to part ways with several of their starters. One of the first veterans they traded was longtime starter at defensive tackle Davon Godchaux. On Sunday, the Patriots let Godchaux's partner on the interior defensive line, Daniel Ekuale, walk as well. Per his agency's announcement on social media, Ekuale is signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The #Steelers have signed free agent defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale, per his agent, Blake Baratz.
A 31-year-old from Samoa, Ekuale started 16 games for the #Patriots last season.https://t.co/AEJdt3mwJJ
— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) March 17, 2025
NFL News: Patriots DL Daniel Ekuale Signs With the Steelers
After entering the league as an undrafted free agent, Ekuale quickly established himself as a rotation player. He landed with the Patriots in the 2021 offseason and was a contributor for a few seasons before a torn biceps forced him to miss most of the 2023 campaign.
Upon his return to the field in 2024, Ekuale became a starter following Christian Barmore's blood clot issue. He started 16 games and played a career-high 723 defensive snaps, finishing with three QB hits, two tackles for loss, one sack, and 24 solo tackles.
After the Patriots defense took a step back last season, finishing as the 22nd-best unit in the league, the front office understandably decided to make significant changes. Milton Williams and Khyiris Tonga were added to the roster, and with Barmore's return, the Patriots should have an entirely different defensive line next season.
Edge defenders Oshane Ximines and Deatrich Wise still remain on the market. What the Patriots will decide to do with those two key defenders will be fascinating to watch.
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