Latest news with #Otomewo
USA Today
16 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 72: a history of the number and who wore it best
The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we're at 72 days until Pittsburgh faces off against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. In the spirit of the countdown, we're taking a look at the history of No. 72 and the players who wore it best. Current Steelers No. 72 wearers: OG Doug Nester, DL Esezi Otomewo Both Nester and Otomewo currently wear No. 72 for the Pittsburgh Steelers — a situation that's pretty common during the offseason. After spending the 2024 season on the Steelers' practice squad, Nester signed a Reserve/Future contract with Pittsburgh this past January. He'll likely be given the opportunity to compete with Max Scharping and Spencer Anderson for the backup guard spot. Otomewo signed a one-year deal with the Steelers last March. He has nine games of NFL experience, including two starts during his 2024 tenure with the Jaguars. He offers solid depth as both a capable pass rusher and run defender — but faces an uphill battle after Pittsburgh acquired multiple defensive linemen in the 2025 NFL Draft and free agency. Last five Steelers to wear No. 72: Best No. 72 in Steelers history: OG Gerry 'Moon' Mullins Mullins was selected by the Steelers with the 86th overall pick in the fourth round of the 1971 NFL Draft. He played for Pittsburgh from 1971 to 1979 — winning four Super Bowls in the process. He played an important role in the Steelers' Super Bowl X victory over the Cowboys, recovering Dallas' onside kick attempt with 1:48 remaining. Mullins was selected to the Steelers' 50th Anniversary Team and was inducted into the Steelers Hall of Honor. He served as one of the most dependable offensive linemen of his era and is, without a doubt, the best to ever don the No. 72 in Pittsburgh. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
USA Today
20-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers sign former Vikings fifth-round DT from 2022 NFL Draft
Steelers sign former Vikings fifth-round DT from 2022 NFL Draft The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't finished addressing the defensive tackle position this offseason. After signing former Patriots veteran DT Daniel Ekuale and re-signing their former fifth-round pick from the 2021 NFL Draft, DT Isaiahh Loudermilk, Pittsburgh has now signed former Jaguars DL Esezi Otomewo to a one-year contract. The big 6'5" defensive lineman was drafted out of Minnesota by the Vikings with the 165th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He was earned honorable mention All-Big Ten for his 2021 performance—arguably his biggest collegiate accomplishment. He was waived by the Vikings just before the 2023 regular season began and would quickly join the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad shortly after. Otomewo has limited playing experience in the NFL, having appeared in just nine games, with only two of those as starts. His 180 total career snaps on defense leave much to be desired, but he did look dominant during the 2024 preseason, accumulating three sacks. He will likely be given the opportunity to compete for a roster spot as a depth piece in 2025. Otomewo will join Ekuale, Loudermilk, Domenique Davis, Logan Lee, Dean Lowry, Jacob Slade, and Montravius Adams as backup defensive linemen behind starters NT Keeanu Benton and DT Cameron Heyward—with a potential first-round 2025 NFL Draft defensive lineman expected to join them.
USA Today
17-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Who are Jaguars' 2025 exclusive rights free agents?
We know who the big unrestricted free agents are for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but who are their exclusive rights free agents and what's the difference between the two? The Jaguars have two exclusive rights free agents (ERFA) this offseason, according to Over the Cap, and that is defensive linemen De'Shaan Dixon and Esezi Otomewo. An exclusive rights free agent (ERFA) is a player with two or fewer accrued NFL seasons. In order to gain an accrued year, a player must be on a team's 53-man roster for at least six regular season games. While ERFA has the words 'free agent' in it, this isn't like being an unrestricted free agent where that player can choose where they go. If an ERFA is extended a qualifying offer from their current team, they cannot negotiate with other organizations. These qualifying offers are one-year deals at the league minimum amount based on the player's tenure. If an ERFA is not extended that qualifying offer, they become unrestricted free agents. Dixon would miss the entire 2024 season with an ACL injury he sustained during training camp. He joined the Jaguars in 2022 as an undrafted rookie and appeared in three games that season. Dixon then spent 2023 on the team's practice squad. Otomewo was a fifth-round pick by Minnesota in 2022. This past season, he played in four games defensively for the Jaguars, where he totaled eight pressures and a sack in only 53 pass rush snaps, according to PFF. With these ERFA contracts being league minimum deals, it's not uncommon to see these players brought back relatively often. With Otomewo, specifically, having seen some playing time last season and making the 53-man roster, one would think it's quite likely he returns.
