Eku Leota

OLB

#54

Experience: 2 years

Height: 6-4

Age: 27

Weight: 257 lbs

College: Auburn

2026 SEASON

Solo
1
SCK
0
FF
0
INT
--

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Year

Season

Defense

Field Position

	G	Total	Solo	AST
Opp 19-1 - by Yard Line	2	1	0	1
Opp 49-20 - by Yard Line	3	3	1	2
Own 21-50 - by Yard Line	2	1	0	1

Game Halves

	G	Total	Solo	AST	SCK	SFTY	PDEF	INT	TDS	YDS	AVG	LNG
1st Half	2	2	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2nd Half	4	3	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Home vs Road

	G	Total	Solo	AST	SCK	SFTY	PDEF	INT	TDS	YDS	AVG	LNG
Home Games	2	2	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Road Games	3	3	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Margin of Victory

	G	Total	Solo	AST	SCK	SFTY	PDEF	INT	TDS	YDS	AVG	LNG
Margin 8-14	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Point Differential

	G	Total	Solo	AST
Ahead	2	1	1	0
Ahead by 1-8 Points	2	1	1	0
Behind	3	4	0	4
Behind by 1-8 Points	2	2	0	2
Behind by 9-16 Points	1	1	0	1
Tied	5	0	0	0

Quarters

	G	Total	Solo	AST
1st Quarter	1	1	0	1
4th Quarter	3	2	0	2
4th Quarter within 7	2	1	0	1
2nd Quarter	1	1	1	0
3rd Quarter	1	1	0	1

Stadium Surfaces

	G	Total	Solo	AST	SCK	SFTY	PDEF	INT	TDS	YDS	AVG	LNG
Grass	3	4	1	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Turf	2	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Biography

Pro Career:

Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by Carolina on 5/12/23. Released by the Panthers on 8/29/23 and re-signed to the practice squad on 8/30/23. Signed to Carolina's active roster on 11/13/23 and was released on 9/17/24. Re-signed to the Panthers practice squad on 9/19/24 and was released on 9/24/24. Signed to the Steelers practice squad on 10/1/24 and signed a futures contract with the Steelers on 1/14/25. Released by Pittsburgh on 8/26/25. Signed to the Saints practice squad on 9/2/25 and was released by New Orleans on 11/25/25. Signed to Arizona's practice squad on 12/2/25.

Pro Career:

2025: Appeared in three contests with New Orleans while also spending time on the Saints and Cardinals practice squads … saw game action vs. NYG (10/5) and posted a special teams tackle … played on special teams vs. TB (10/26) and @ LAR (11/2).

2024: Played three games (one start) with Carolina and Pittsburgh and recorded five tackles, including three for loss, a sack and one QB hit … appeared in the Panthers season opener @ NO (9/8) and had a career-high four tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack of Derek Carr … made first career start at linebacker vs. LAC (9/15) … made first appearance with the Steelers and had one tackle @ LV (10/13).

2023: Played in eight games as a rookie and recorded three tackles, one QB hit and had one special teams tackle … made NFL debut vs. Hou (10/29) … posted two tackles on defense and a special teams tackle @ Chi (11/9) … recorded a tackle vs. Dal (11/19).

College:

In five seasons at Northwestern (2018-20) and Auburn (2021-22), played 36 games and recorded 66 tackles (45 solo), 25 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks, one pass defensed and three forced fumbles … appeared in five games his final season at Auburn in 2022 and had 18 tackles, five tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks before a season ending injury … in 2021, played 13 games and had 23 tackles (15 solo), 10 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks and one forced fumble … as a sophomore in 2020 at Northwestern, saw action in eight games and earned third team All-Big Ten honors after posting 13 tackles (10 solo), 5.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks and one forced fumble … appeared in 10 games in 2019 and recorded six tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one pass defensed and a forced fumble … did not play in any games as a true freshman in 2018.

Personal:

Name pronounced "EK-oo/lee-OH-tuh" … attended Asheville (NC) High School where he recorded 56 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks as a senior … finished his high school career as the school's all-time sack leader … also played tight end and hauled in 12 passes for 267 yards and a touchdown … named a three-star prospect and top 25 player in North Carolina by ESPN and 24/7 Sports … selected as a finalist for the NC Shrine Bowl … earned his bachelor's degree in Communications from Northwestern.

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