Steelers to Sign Samoan Edge Rusher

The Pittsburgh Steelers are signing outside linebacker Eku Leota to their practice squad, according to a report by Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network.

Leota, 25, is in his second 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.

The Steelers have been significantly banged up at outside linebacker. Alex Highsmith is expected to miss his second straight week with a groin injury. Nick Herbig injured his ankle against the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday, and thought he returned to finish the game, is expected to be limited in practice this week. Jeremiah Moon remains on the injured reserve list with a preseason ankle injury.

The Steelers have two other outside linebackers on their practice squad, Marcus Haynes and Ade Ogundeji.

Auburn Edge Rusher Eku Leota (#55) during the game between the LSU Tigers and the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Al. on Oct. 1, 2022. — Austin Perryman / Auburn Athletics

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.

The Steelers will need to clear a space on their 17-man practice squad in order to sign Leota.