Steelers Fill Void By Agreeing To Sign Veteran Defensive Tackle

The Pittsburgh Steelers delved into the open market again, signing free-agent defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale.

Pittsburgh agreed to terms with Ekuale, according to his agent, Blake Baratz — who announced the deal via Instagram on Sunday. The terms of the contract were not disclosed, either by Ekuale or Baratz.

Ekuale, a Washington State product, spent the past four seasons with the New England Patriots. The 31-year-old logged a career-high 16 starts — his previous career-best was five in 2020 — this past season, which marked Ekuale’s most impressive campaign in the NFL. He recorded 52 tackles, which also shredded Ekuale’s previous career-high of 14 tackles, alongside one sack. Ekuale ended his run with the Patriots making 41 appearances for the franchise before departing.

The 6-foot-3, 310-pound veteran will aim to provide Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin with some interior depth on the defensive line. Ekuale now has the experience of a full-time starter, bouncing back after suffering a torn bicep injury with the Patriots, which forced him to miss all but three games with New England in 2023.

Ekuale’s opportunity with the Patriots arose when the team sidelined Christian Barmore due to blood clot issues. This time, Ekuale will replace fellow defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, who the Steelers waived immediately once free agency opened — and saved the team $7 million on their salary carp. Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton, returning Pittsburgh starters, will work alongside Ekuale as the franchise looks to turn the page in 2025.

It’ll be up to Tomlin, entering his 19th season at the helm, to determine whether or not Ekuale will start.

Pittsburgh could use the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft to further strengthen their depth. The team met with projected first-round talents such as Walter Nolen (Ole Miss) and Kenneth Grant (Michigan) during the NFL Combine, giving the franchise’s front office and coaching staff plenty to consider as the offseason progresses.

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