Pittsburgh Steelers Sign Defensive Tackle Daniel Ekuale in 2025 Free Agency
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a key addition to their defensive line for the 2025 season, signing defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale in free agency. The announcement was made by Ekualeโs agent, Blake Baratz, on social media platform X, marking a significant move for the Steelers as they look to revamp their defensive front.
Ekuale, who stands at 6’3″ and weighs 310 lbs, has spent the past few years proving his worth in the NFL after signing with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2018. While his debut season came in 2019, Ekualeโs journey through the league has seen him play for several teams, including stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020 and the New England Patriots in 2021. The 2024 season was a breakout year for Ekuale, as he started all 17 gamesโhis most in a single seasonโproving himself as a reliable and solid presence on the defensive line.
For the Steelers, the addition of Ekuale is a crucial one. With veteran defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi’s tenure winding down and the overall defensive line aging, Pittsburgh has been in dire need of fresh talent to fortify the front seven. After a disappointing finish to the 2024 season, the Steelers have made it clear that they are prioritizing the defense in 2025, and Ekualeโs signing is a vital step in that direction.
Throughout his six seasons in the NFL, Ekuale has accumulated 6 sacks, 91 combined tackles, and 8 tackles for loss (TFL) in 57 games, with 21 of those being starts. While these numbers may not jump off the page, his consistency and ability to contribute in both run defense and pass rush make him an appealing addition for the Steelers, who are seeking to improve against both aspects of the game.
As it stands, Ekuale is expected to slot in as a starter on the defensive line alongside veteran Cameron Heyward and second-year nose tackle Keeanu Benton. This gives the Steelers a solid, balanced interior defensive line, but the team is still likely to address the position in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, potentially adding more youth and depth.
Overall, Ekualeโs signing should help stabilize a defensive line that has faced some inconsistencies in recent years, giving Pittsburgh the boost it needs as they look to return to playoff contention in 2025.