Former Panthers OLB Eku Leota signing to Steelers’ practice squad

Former Panthers OLB Eku Leota is reportedly signing to the Steelers’ practice squad.

Former Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Eku Leota has reportedly found a new home.

According to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, the second-year defender is set to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad. Leota was released from Carolina’s practice squad last Tuesday.

Prior to cracking into the NFL, the Asheville N.C. native split his five-year collegiate career between Northwestern University and Auburn University. He amassed 66 combined tackles, 15.5 sacks and three forced fumbles over a total of 38 games—with his best campaign coming as a Third-team All-Big Ten selection in 2020.

The Panthers initially signed Leota as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He’d go on to appear in eight games for Carolina as a rookie.

Leota was one of four outside linebackers to make the Panthers’ initial 53-man roster for the 2024 season. That stint, however, would last just two games—as Leota was waived after the team’s Week 2 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

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