The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant move in the 2025 free agency by signing veteran defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale from the New England Patriots. Ekuale, who stands at 6'3" and weighs 310 pounds, has had an impressive career, playing for teams like the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New England Patriots since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2018. In the 2024 season, he started 17 games, showcasing his potential as a valuable defensive lineman.

This acquisition comes at a crucial time for the Steelers, who have been struggling with their defensive line. The Larry Ogunjobi experiment is winding down, and the aging roster necessitates a rejuvenation. Ekuale, with his six seasons of NFL experience, has recorded six sacks, 91 tackles, and eight tackles for loss over 57 games, indicating he brings considerable strength to the defensive front. He is expected to start alongside veteran DT Cameron Heyward and NT Keeanu Benton, solidifying a crucial area of need for Pittsburgh as they also look to bolster their defensive line through the upcoming draft.