Pittsburgh Steelers release DL DeMarvin Leal

The Pittsburgh Steelers are releasing defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Leal, Pittsburgh’s 2022 third-round pick, is now the fifth of seven draft picks that year no longer on the Steelers’ roster. Only wide receiver Calvin Austin III and tight end Connor Heyward remain.

Leal, 25, appeared in 28 games (six starts) over the last three seasons. He compiled 33 tackles (20 solo), one sack, three tackles for loss and three quarterback hits.

The Steelers are well-stocked at the edge position, and Leal became No. 5 on the depth chart after Pittsburgh drafted Jack Sawyer, according to Alan Saunders of Steelers Now. Leal made five tackles in three preseason contests, failing to record a sack.

Steelers move on from DeMarvin Leal

Leal was once a highly touted prospect coming out of Judson High School in Converse, Texas. He was a five-star prospect in the 2019 class, the No. 13 overall recruit in the nation. Leal played immediately for Texas A&M, featuring in 12 games during his freshman season. He broke out in 2021 with 57 tackles (27 solo), 13 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.

Leal has found it difficult to replicate that success in the NFL. Now, he’ll look for an opportunity to prove himself elsewhere.