The Steelers have signed defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale in free agency.
A seven-year veteran, Ekuale started all 16 games in which he appeared last season for the Patriots, recording 52 tackles, including two for a loss, one sack and three quarterback hits.
Ekuale began his career as a practice squad player for the Browns in 2018 after earning a roster spot as an undrafted free agent out of Washington State. He spent the past four seasons with the Patriots.
Ekuale, who turned 31 in January, shows some capability of taking on double teams and holding the point of attack, but he's more of a push-the-pocket kind of defensive tackle as a pass rusher.
In 57 career games, he's recorded 91 tackles and six sacks to go along with eight tackles for a loss.
With the release of Larry Ogunjobi early in the free agency period, the Steelers could shift nose tackle Keeanu Benton to defensive end.
The addition of a player such as Ekuale gives the team an additional option to play at nose tackle along with holdover Montravius Adams.
The Steelers also could dip into what is a talented crop of nose tackle prospects in this year's draft in order to help solidify the middle of their defense.
The addition of Ekuale offers the Steelers options – along with Adams – in the middle of their defense, but doesn't preclude them from continuing to add to that, making Adams and Ekuale valuable depth pieces.
