In a move nobody saw coming, the Carolina Panthers decided to cut pass rusher Eku Leota on Tuesday. A former undrafted free agent, Leota carved out a role for himself as a situational pass rusher over the past two seasons in Carolina. After spending most of his rookie season in a reserve role, the edge defender started to earn snaps early in 2024. Making one start, Leota recorded four tackles, three tackles-for-loss, one quarterback hit, and one sack through two games. His one sack was the most on the Panthers, but it wasn’t enough to save his job.
Despite being the only player on the roster to record a standalone sack, the Panthers cut Eku Leota shortly after announcing that Andy Dalton will start over former first-overall pick Bryce Young. Leota leading Carolina in sacks says more about the Panthers than it does the pass rusher himself, but it shouldn’t be too long before the Auburn product finds a new home. With several teams looking for more pass rushers, don’t be surprised if he ends up with a contender like the New Orleans Saints or the Kansas City Chiefs.
Eku Leota Could Sign With Saints, Chiefs After Panthers Cut
It’s time to acknowledge the New Orleans Saints as a legitimate contender. Crushing the Carolina Panthers in Week 1 was noteworthy, but doing the same thing to the Dallas Cowboys puts them near the top of the power rankings. This team can go the distance, and they should add as many competent players as possible to earn their first playoff appearance of the post-Drew Brees Era. While most of the improvements stem from offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, the defense could use someone like the recently cut Eku Leota.
Through two weeks of action, Carl Granderson, former first-round pick Bryan Bresee, and free agent signee Chase Young are the only defensive linemen to record a sack. All of these players are talented enough on their own, but you can never have too many players capable of taking down the quarterback. 2023 second-round pick Isaiah Foskey seems unlikely to turn it around, recording just six tackles through two games. If the Saints are serious about making the most of this season, they could move Foskey further down the depth chart and give his snaps to the recently cut Eku Leota.
More Pass Rush Help
The Kansas City Chiefs are 2-0, but their offense doesn’t look as unstoppable as usual. Their (relative) regular season woes from 2023 carried into 2024, as Travis Kelce looks like he’s slowing down and free-agent signee Marquise Brown will probably miss the regular season with an injury. This offense will always remain dangerous as long as Patrick Mahomes is healthy, but they might have to rely on their defense more than in previous seasons. With that in mind, someone like Eku Leota could cut out a role for himself on this depth chart.
Chris Jones remains an elite defensive tackle while former first-round pick George Karlaftis can still get after the quarterback. Mike Danna is a fine depth piece, but 2023 first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah still struggles to make a name for himself. Eku Leota is nothing more than a depth player, but the recently cut pass rusher could emerge as the third or fourth option in clear passing sets. Considering all the elite competition in the AFC, the Chiefs should consider adding another pass rusher into the mix.
Main Photo: Bob Donnan – USA Today Sports
