Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers will release outside linebacker Eku Leota, according to a report by Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. Leota spent most of last season on the practice squad, and could be invited back to the PS after a strong preseason.
Leota recorded seven total tackles (five solos) and a forced fumble in the preseason.
Leota, 25, is in his third professional season. He first joined the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent out of Auburn last spring. Leota played in eight games with the Panthers in 2023 and two more this season, including one start, but he was released by Carolina on Sept. 24.
In 10 NFL games, he has played 133 snaps of defense and 113 on special teams. He has also played in all six special teams phases for the Panthers.
Leota suffered a pectoral injury that cost him most of his senior season at Auburn in 2022 and also prevented him from participating in most of the pre-draft testing process. His best collegiate season statistically came in 2021, when he recorded 23 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and seven sacks.
Before joining Auburn, Leota played three seasons at Northwestern, where he was an All-Big Ten selection in 2020. Leota was born in Western Samoa and grew up in Asheville, North Carolina.
Leal will go on waivers, where he will remain until Wednesday at noon. If he clears, he will be eligible to be added to the Steelers practice squad.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Release Rising Outside Linebacker
