Defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal has had a difficult start to his NFL career. Three years ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers used a third-round selection on him. Though always expected to be a project needing time to develop, Leal hasn’t made much progress heading into the final year of his rookie deal.
That isn’t all his fault. He suffered a season-ending neck injury in 2024 after playing in just five games. It was part of a wave of injuries that hit the Steelers toward the beginning of the year, and it derailed any chance he had at further development in his third season. Now, heading into his fourth year, Leal knows how big the stakes are.
“It’s a redemption year,” Leal said, speaking on the Psychotic & Iconic Sports Podcast. “It’s a straight redemption year. And it’s not even to anyone else but myself, because I know what I can do. I know what I’m capable of. And so it’s time to go ahead and just explode and let it all flow.”
Leal is heading into the fourth and final year of his rookie contract, applying even greater pressure on 2025 being his breakout season. A freak injury derailed the progress ex-players saw in him and stunted further growth.
While the injury is unfortunate, the reality that Leal hasn’t lived up to expectations still remains true. Through three years, he’s played in 28 games and started six. He’s been on the field for a total of 432 defensive snaps, and has just 33 tackles, four passes defended, one sack and three tackles for a loss. Even before his injury last year, he had just four tackles and one QB hit. For a top-100 selection, it’s little return on investment.
Last offseason, the Steelers had Leal learning how to play outside linebacker. As a “tweener” type of player, they wanted to lean more into his explosiveness. It’s unclear, given the neck injury, where the Steelers plan to work him in this time around.
All of that said, DeMarvin Leal has a good head on his shoulders. He understands the situation he’s in and is motivated, knowing this is the most important year of his career. No matter his career arc, his impact was going to take time. Now, 2025 is make-or-break.
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