Steelers' Strange Move To Keep Esezi Otomewo Explained

The Pittsburgh Steelers had many fans curious how their 53-man roster was going to shake up. A lot of key position battles took place in camp and plenty of players under the radar gave themselves some really legit shots to make this roster. When the 53-man roster came out, one player that really surprised many was Esezi Otomewo making the team. 

The Steelers kept eight players on the defensive line in Keeanu Benton, Yahya Black, Daniel Ekuale, Derrick Harmon, Cameron Heyward, Logan Lee, Isaiahh Loudermilk, and Otomewo. Steelers insider Gerry Dulac explained why Pittsburgh kept Otomewo despite the odds being stacked against him.

According to Dulac, the Steelers value Otomewo’s size, versatility, and ability to play multiple roles across the defensive line. Standing at 6-foot-5 and over 280 pounds, he fits the mold of the long, athletic defensive ends the Steelers have traditionally developed in their system. 

"It's a reaction to what they saw from Otomewo in the preseason," Dulac said to a fan who asked why Pittsburgh kept eight defensive linemen, including Otomewo. "That's why they kept him."

While his preseason numbers didn’t necessarily jump off the stat sheet, coaches reportedly liked his motor, ability to take on double teams, and potential to contribute in rotational snaps. With veteran depth pieces like Heyward already in place, Pittsburgh clearly saw Otomewo as a developmental player worth holding onto.

Otomewo’s inclusion also signals how the Steelers are approaching their future in the trenches. With Heyward nearing the end of his career and the team leaning on younger players like Benton, Black, and Harmon, investing in upside at the position makes sense. Otomewo may not play a massive role right away, but the Steelers’ decision to keep him shows confidence that he can grow into a reliable contributor. 

For a player who entered training camp on the fringe of the roster, his ability to carve out a spot speaks volumes about how far he’s come and how much the team believes he can offer moving forward. 

Now, the obvious reality is that Otomewo is the last man in the defensive line room, and it is hard to imagine him earning a significant role right away. With so much established depth ahead of him, actually contributing meaningful snaps or carving out steady playing time is not something that seems likely in the immediate future. Still, his presence on the 53-man roster speaks volumes about how the Steelers view his potential.

Steelers' Esezi Otomewo Looking To Find Home In The Steel City

For a player who has bounced around the league without finding a long-term home, simply surviving final cuts is an achievement in itself. Pittsburgh clearly sees traits in Otomewo, whether it is his length, versatility, or ability to fit into their defensive schemes, that make him worth keeping around and developing. Even if his role in 2025 is limited to depth and special packages, he has already proved he can fight his way into a roster spot when many thought he was a long shot.

The Steelers have always valued depth on the defensive line, especially given the physical toll of a 17-game season, and Otomewo’s inclusion gives them another piece to work with. While he may not be called upon immediately, the coaching staff’s decision to keep him signals confidence in his growth and belief that he can become a useful contributor down the line. For Otomewo, that is all the opportunity he needs to continue proving himself in Pittsburgh.

What did you make of the Steelers keeping Esezi Otomewo on the 53-man roster?