Steelers sign defensive lineman Daniel Ekuale to free agent deal
The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t made a ton of moves in the first week of NFL Free Agency, but they continue to work the phones to see what is available at positions of need. The latest addition to the team is a defensive lineman, absolutely a position of need, in the form of Daniel Ekuale.
The #Steelers have signed free agent defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale, per his agent, Blake Baratz.
A 31-year-old from Samoa, Ekuale started 16 games for the #Patriots last season.
— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) March 17, 2025
The news was made public by his agent, Blake Baratz, who announced the signing of his client Sunday evening.
This from Baratz himself:
Congrats to these two dudes. Bringing some juice to a D Line near you. You boys deserve it, @steelers and @Commanders got better again today!
Congrats Dan and J. Let’s do this pic.twitter.com/qqLiPqGWxo
— Blake Baratz (@blakebaratz) March 17, 2025
Ekuale played 16 games for the New England Patriots in 2024, tallying 52 tackles, 24 solo, 2 TFL, 1 sack, and 3 QB Hits. This after missing the majority of the 2023 season after tearing his biceps tendon in Week 3 of that year.
As for Ekauale’s background, he went undrafted out of Washington State to the Cleveland Browns in 2018, and spent two seasons with the Browns. In 2020 Ekuale signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars to their practice squad, and was eventually elevated to the 53-man roster. In 2021 he was picked up by the Patriots, and played in New England until his release at the end of the 2024 season.
Ekuale is a solid depth piece along the defensive line, and could take the place of a player like Isaiahh Loudermilk in the rotation; however, the defensive line position will still need addressed in a variety of ways this offseason, mainly the draft.
Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of free agency, and the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
Welcome to Pittsburgh (checks notes) Daniel!
Initial reaction is… “meh”. Glad they found a depth piece, but was hoping for a more productive player in free agency.
I’m hoping that one of the existing Steelers DLineman, like Leal or Lee, steps up this year.
I almost forgot about Logan Lee, if I’m being honest. Who knows what he can do for the team in 2025 and beyond.
Daniel Ekuale had 91 tackles in 7 years. Granted, those first couple of years he was on the practice squad but still, that’s not a lot of production. Hey, depth is needed and I suppose Ekuale will provide it.
I was hoping the Steelers would find another Tyson Alualu type DL in free agency, then draft one too.