Why New Steelers DL Breiden Fehoko Brings More Than Just Depth In 2023

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been pretty active during free agency this year. After improving the cornerback room, linebacker position, and offensive line, the Steelers brought back one of their best run-stoppers by re-signing DT Larry Ogunjobi. Many people thought Pittsburgh would be content with the defensive line, at least in free agency, but the Steelers were not done. Hours after safety Keanu Neal agreed to a contract with Pittsburgh, they were right back in the news, bringing in DT Breiden Fehoko from the Los Angeles Chargers.

While this appears to be a depth signing on the surface, Fehoko could find himself starting at DT/NT next season. With only four starts in three seasons under his belt, his NFL experience is on the low side. He showed some great flashes in his three starts for the Chargers last season. He looks to go into next season in competition for starts and playing time with Montravius Adams. Both players will see the field a good amount in 2023, potentially as a rotation. 

The Chargers signed Fehoko as an undrafted free agent in 2020 and didn't get much of an opportunity to show his talents in LA. Plugging up running lanes is what he does best, similar to Ogunjobi. The Steelers saw a large spike in their run-defense production last year; signing Ogunjobi was a huge factor in the improvement. With the addition of Fehoko this offseason, expect the run defense to improve even more, potentially into a top-five unit. Not only will the run defense improve with Fehoko, but so will the atmosphere at Pittsburgh. Check out this video of Fehoko and his family at a game during his first year at LSU:

Fehoko is from Honolulu, and this is a traditional Māori dance called the Haka. You can expect to see Fehoko doing more of these, before or after games and even at practices. Fehoko loves showing this side of himself, and people love watching. Now we will get to see how it looks with him in black in gold. 

Steelers Outlook With Fehoko

Pittsburgh is currently set to deploy a front three consisting of Fehoko and teammates Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi on either side of him. As mentioned earlier, this is a physical group that is going to be very hard to run on. This signing likely means that both free agents Tyson Alualu and Chris Wormley are leaving Pittsburgh. 

Although Pittsburgh has been very active in free agency, drafting a defensive lineman could still be likely. The Steelers currently hold seven picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. With Ogunjobi and Fehoko both being better at defending the run, Pittsburgh could look to draft a pass rusher. 

The Steelers' addition of Fehoko will be a fan favorite. He has NFL size to be able to play nose tackle extremely well. With playing time available for him in Pittsburgh, he will be able to learn and develop into hopefully an every-down player for the Steelers. Not only are the Steelers getting depth at a much-needed position with Fehoko, but they're also receiving an incredible off-the-field presence and a potential starter for next season and beyond.

Do you like the signing of Breiden Fehoko by the Pittsburgh Steelers? Let us know in the comments below.

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