Esezi Otomewo

Career StatsD-

Year	Team	GP	Sacks	Tkl	TFL
Career		21	1.5	18	1.5
2025		12	1.0	9	0.5
2024		4	0.5	4	0
2023		2

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Steelers secured solid depth value in re-signing Esezi Otomewo to a $1.8M AAV deal, earning a C+ CVI that reflects appropriate compensation for a rotational pass rusher. Pittsburgh paid market rate for what Otomewo brings — a depth piece who can contribute in sub packages without breaking the bank or demanding starter money. At 25 years old, the former undrafted free agent still has room to develop within the Steelers' defensive system, making this a reasonable bet on continued growth rather than paying for past production. The minimal guaranteed money ($0.2M) gives Pittsburgh excellent flexibility, essentially making this a low-risk flier with the ability to move on without significant cap consequences. This is the type of shrewd depth signing that championship contenders make — not flashy, but essential for maintaining defensive line rotation and special teams coverage while keeping salary cap space available for bigger moves.

Performance Analysis

Esezi Otomewo carries a D- grade that tells the story of a defensive end still searching for a permanent home after four teams in four years. His 1.5 career sacks across 21 games is a concerning lack of production for a position where getting to the quarterback is the entire job description. The 2025 season in Pittsburgh was his most extensive action with 12 games and one sack, but nine tackles from a starting-caliber defensive end is not going to cut it. His journey from Minnesota to Jacksonville to Pittsburgh suggests teams keep seeing potential but never enough production to justify a long-term commitment. Otomewo needs a significant leap in pass-rush ability to carve out more than a rotational role at this point in his career.

Fan Sentiment

A sensible depth retention move as Pittsburgh locks up a rotational defensive lineman. Five headlines covered the re-signing, framing it as routine roster maintenance before free agency opens. The key signal is the one-year deal structure — low risk, low cost, no long-term commitment. Fans see this as smart housekeeping, keeping a familiar face in the defensive line rotation. Otomewo projects as a rotational contributor competing for snaps behind Pittsburgh's starters in 2026.