Asante Samuel: Everything you need to know

Samuel is re-signing with the Steelers on a one-year, $4 million contract, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports. Samuel played in each of the Steelers' last six regular-season games in 2025 after recovering from neck surgery. He was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent but will instead remain in Pittsburgh for the 2026 season, likely filling a depth role in the secondary.

Samuel recorded 10 total tackles (six solo) and an interception over six contests during the 2025 regular season. Samuel underwent neck surgery in April ahead of the 2025 season, and as a result, he remained a free agent until he was signed to the Steelers' practice squad in early November. The cornerback made his team debut Nov. 30 versus the Bills, and he appeared in each of Pittsburgh's final six regular-season games and the team's 30-6 loss to the Texans in the wild-card round. Samuel's most notable moment as a Steeler came when he picked off Tua Tagovailoa in the first quarter of the team's 28-15 win over the Dolphins in Week 15, notching his first interception since the 2023 campaign with the Chargers. The cornerback will enter the offseason as a free agent, and he'll likely have multiple suitors after proving his health in 2025.

The Steelers signed Samuel off the practice squad Tuesday, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports. Samuel was signed to the Steelers' practice squad Nov. 11 after being cleared to return to football activities following his spinal fusion surgery for a back injury he suffered in the tail end of the 2024 season. He logged 28 defensive snaps as a practice squad elevation in the 26-7 loss to the Bills last Sunday in the wake of the injury to outside cornerback James Pierre (concussion). The newly signed cornerback replaces 34-year-old Darius Slay on the active roster and will likely start at outside corner against the Ravens in Week 14 if Pierre cannot suit up.