DONE DEAL: Player To Learn From” Steelers Announce The Addition Of ‘Untapped Potential’ To Defensive Line

The Pittsburgh Steelers bolstered their defensive line depth in NFL free agency, announcing on March 19 that they had signed defensive tackle Esezi Otomewo to a one-year deal.

Otomewo appeared in four games for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season after playing five games with the Minnesota Vikings as a rookie in 2022.

The Vikings drafted Otomewo in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft at No. 165 overall. Before the draft, NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein projected him as a sixth-round pick but highlighted his potential.

 

“Long-levered defensive end with impressive body composition but limited playmaking production,” Zierlein wrote. He described Otomewo as a disciplined, team-oriented player who executes assignments well but may not make a significant impact in playmaking.

“There is untapped potential still lurking,” Zierlein added, though he ultimately suggested that Otomewo might be best suited as a rotational defender with strength in run defense.

Steelers Add Another Veteran Defensive Lineman in Esezi Otomewo

Former Vikings draft pick Esezi Otomewo is the second defensive tackle the Steelers have added this week. On March 16, the team also signed former Patriots defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale.

At the start of free agency, Pittsburgh released veteran Larry Ogunjobi. While Ekuale and Otomewo don’t match Ogunjobi’s talent or experience, the Steelers may see them as short-term depth options while they search for a long-term replacement.

Ogunjobi played 15 games last season, recording 1.5 sacks, 41 combined tackles, five tackles for loss, and seven quarterback hits.

Otomewo, meanwhile, posted five combined tackles, including one for loss, in five games with the Vikings as a rookie in 2022. With the Jaguars last season, he registered four tackles in four games, starting two of them. He has logged 179 defensive snaps and 88 special teams snaps in the NFL.

Otomewo also played college football in Minnesota, where he tallied 14 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in 46 games. As a senior, he recorded five tackles for loss and three sacks.

Steelers Defensive Line Depth Before 2025 NFL Draft

With Ogunjobi’s departure, adding depth to the defensive line became a priority for the Steelers. However, the team ultimately needs to inject more youth into its defensive front.

Otomewo, who won’t turn 27 until December, brings a younger presence. His addition provides Pittsburgh with an opportunity to see if he can develop the “untapped potential” that draft analyst Lance Zierlein highlighted in 2022. Still, the Steelers could benefit from a more significant upgrade through the draft.

Cameron Heyward, approaching 36, remains the leader of Pittsburgh’s defensive line, while former second-round pick Keeanu Benton continues to develop. The team also has Montravius Adams, Dean Lowry, DeMarvin Leal, and Logan Lee in the defensive rotation.

Otomewo will likely compete with Ekuale for a role in the interior. Additionally, Pittsburgh has Domenique Davis and Jacob Slade under contract.

While the Steelers could bolster their defensive line through the draft, most mock drafts do not project them selecting a defensive lineman at No. 21 overall in the first round. Their next pick is at No. 83 in the third round.