Excitement surrounded the report that the Pittsburgh Steelers were going to sign Ola Adeniyi after the linebacker was released by the Tennessee Titans on Monday. He was originally signed by Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent back in 2018. He played in 31 games over the course of his second and third seasons with the organization. The team announced the signing of defensive lineman, Jonathan Marshall off of the New York Jets practice squad, but there has not been an official confirmation that Adeniyi would also be joining the franchise for a second time. Now, we know why.
PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 24: Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ola Adeniyi (92) participates in drills during the Pittsburgh Steelers OTA on May 24, 2018 at the Pittsburgh Steelers Training Facility in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Shelley Lipton/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, he did not pass his physical and instead of playing for Pittsburgh in 2022, he will enter free agency.
Former Titans’ LB Ola Adeniyi, whom Pittsburgh claimed on waivers this week, did not pass his physical with the Steelers and is now a free agent.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 15, 2022
The linebacker secured the first 2.5 sacks of his young career as a member of the Titans and while it is not confirmed that he was waived due to a medical issue, it is certainly possible that he is dealing with something that the Steelers didn't know about prior to reaching out.
Head Coach, Mike Tomlin is clearly looking for some defensive help on the edges. With Adeniyi failing his physical, don't be surprised if there is another move made. The team could look to bring in a different familiar face in Quincy Roche, who is on the practice squad for the New York Giants.
Are you upset to see that Adeniyi failed his physical and won't wear the black and gold this season after all? Let us know in the comments below!
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