Steelers Sign former Chargers DT Breiden Fehoko

Former Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Breiden Fehoko is signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per his agent David Canter. Fehoko, 26, spent his first three seasons with the Chargers after going undrafted out of LSU in 2020. Fehoko started his college career at Texas Tech before transferring to LSU in 2017, which concluded with a National Championship with the Tigers in 2019.

“LETS GET TO WORK! @steelers Can’t wait to compete and play for such a historic Organization!” Fehoko tweeted.

Fehoko made the Chargers initial 53-man roster in 2022, but was waived on Sept. 12 and re-signed to the practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on Nov. 9.  Fehoko recorded a career-high 279 defensive snaps and 36 on special teams in 2022. The Honolulu native has appeared in 19 career games with four starts and has 36 tackles. Fehoko has no career sacks and just one tackle for loss.

Standing at 6-foot-3, 300 pounds, Fehoko will compete with Montravious Adams for the starting nose tackle position. The Steelers declined to bring back veteran nose tackle Tyson Alualu, who performed poorly in 2022. They also didn’t re-sign defensive lineman Chris Wormley. Regardless if he starts or not, Fehoko will provide some much-needed depth on the defensive line for Pittsburgh. The Steelers played Cam Heyward at nose tackle at times in 2022, which isn’t his ideal position.

Fehoko is the third Hawaiian to sign with the Steelers in free agency, joining guards Nate Herbig and Isaac Seumalo. Seumalo is also from Honolulu like Fehoko.

It was also revealed on Thursday that the Steelers agreed to terms with veteran safety Keanu Neal on a two-year deal. Neal and Fehoko share the same agent.