The Pittsburgh Steelers are releasing outside linebacker Eku Leota after an impressive preseason, according to multiple reports. Leota, who rose up the team’s depth chart and became an impressive speed rusher, spent most of last season on the team’s practice squad.
The Steelers would like to have him back on their practice squad, but he could end up making another team’s roster. Leota joined the Steelers after being released by the Panthers practice squad last September. He made their initial 53-man roster before Carolina moved on.
A native of Asheville, North Carolina, Leota was an undrafted free agent in the 2023 NFL Draft. He made the practice squad for the Panthers to start the year before being elevated in November. The 6-foot-3 linebacker can play both inside and outside but has stood out as an edge rusher for the Steelers.
Leota played for the Auburn Tigers and Northwestern Wildcats during his college career, and lost most of his final collegiate season with a torn pectoral muscle. He had 7.5 sacks in his first season with the Tigers.
Leota is likely the next man up after the other pass rushers on the 53-man roster, and with Nick Herbig’s availability in question for Week 1, Leota could play as early as then if Herbig can not play.
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