One of the better stories from the summer of 2023 now has a new chapter.
The Carolina Panthers announced on Monday afternoon that they have signed rookie outside linebacker Eku Leota to their active roster. Leota, who’s seen action over the last three outings, had been a member of the team’s practice squad throughout the season.
An Asheville, N.C. native, Leota spent his four collegiate campaigns between Northwestern University and the University of Auburn. From 2019 to 2022, he recorded 66 total tackles (25.0 for a loss), 15.5 sacks and three forced fumbles over 32 games.
After going undrafted this spring, the 6-foot-3, 252-pounder joined his hometown Panthers. Despite standing out during the summer, Leota would be cut during the team’s crackdown to their initial 53-man roster. He signed back to their practice squad a day later.
Leota is fresh off his highest snap count of the year, where he was in on 32 defensive looks in last Thursday night’s loss to the Chicago Bears.
To fill Leota’s vacancy on the practice squad, the Panthers signed offensive tackle David Sharpe to the group. Sharpe, who had been on the active roster since Week 1, was released last Wednesday.
