Steelers Release Run-Stopping NT Breiden Fehoko

The Steelers have made their tough cut along the defensive line. The team announced on Tuesday that Pittsburgh has released run-stopping nose tackle Breiden Fehoko as part of their final cuts.

Fehoko enjoyed a strong training camp showcasing what he could do as a space-eater on double teams. His game uniquely fits the AFC North, but the numbers game got to Fehoko with several strong players along the Steelers’ defensive line. If he does not get scooped up by another team, Fehoko will sign to the Steelers practice squad or their active roster, with Braden Mann likely on the move.

ehoko, 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.

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 competed with Montravius Adams and Keeanu Benton for the starting nose tackle position. Pittsburgh looked to Fehoko as a critical run stuffer, and he proved to be that, but guys such as Isaiahh Loudermilk and Armon Watts took noticeable jumps to prove their value to Pittsburgh’s defensive line room. Meanwhile, Adams is a leader alongside Cam Heyward in the room and has held onto his starting nose tackle position for most of the summer.

The Steelers are officially down to 53 players but will likely make several moves before everything is set in place before their Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers.