Free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. was set to visit the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday. But a day prior to that scheduled visit, Samuel agreed to go ahead and join the organization.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Tuesday that Samuel has signed a contract to become a member of the Steelers practice squad. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport also reported the transaction on Tuesday afternoon.
A top-25 free agent in March, Samuel recovered from spinal-fusion surgery in time to sign for the season’s second half. Now, he gets a new start with Pittsburgh.
Samuel was a rising star with the Los Angeles Chargers while on his rookie contract from 2021-24. But in 2024, he missed the final 12 games of the season because of a shoulder ailment.
In January, ESPN’s Kris Rhim reported Samuel suffered the injury on a collision in practice. The cornerback underwent a spinal fusion procedure, which was why he remained a free agent the entire offseason.
Now cleared to play, though, Samuel could be a significant addition to the Steelers secondary for the stretch run in 2025.
Steelers Sign CB Asante Samuel Jr.: Report
Rapoport reported on November 5 that Samuel planned to visit six different teams. Interestingly, the Steelers were his last scheduled visit for November 12.
The cornerback was also set to see the Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears.
But after those other five visits and just before seeing the Steelers, Samuel chose Pittsburgh as his next home.
While Samuel has been cleared to return to the field, he’s likely going to need time to get back into football shape.
The Steelers recently had veteran safety Kyle Dugger play nearly an entire game for their defense despite not having a full week of practice. The team acquired Dugger from the New England Patriots on October 28, and he started on November 2.
However, Dugger had been playing for the Patriots this season. Samuel last appeared on the football field for a game more than a year ago.
Whenever Samuel is ready for his Steelers debut, though, the team could elevate him from the practice squad without needing to add him to the active roster.
Steelers Add Another Legacy CB
Football historians will take note of Pittsburgh acquiring Samuel. The Steelers already have Joey Porter Jr. at cornerback.
Signing Samuel gives the Steelers two cornerbacks who are sons of former All-Pro players.
Unlike Porter Sr., though, who, as Steelers Nation knows, spent his best seasons in Pittsburgh, Samuel Sr. played for the rival Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles. Just like his son, Samuel Sr. played cornerback, and he led the league in interceptions twice — 2006 and 2009.
Over four seasons with the Chargers, Samuel Jr. had 176 combined tackles, including three tackles for loss in 50 games. He started 47 of those games.
Samuel Jr. also had 37 pass defenses and six interceptions.
Although it’s unclear when he could make his debut, with Samuel Jr. in the fold, the Steelers don’t have to be concerned about switching Jalen Ramsey back to cornerback. Ramsey moved to free safety in Week 9.
The Steelers lost Darius Slay to a concussion Sunday, so the team could be down a cornerback this weekend. When he is ready, Samuel will provide extra experienced veteran depth for Pittsburgh’s secondary.
Steelers Add Major Potential CB Boost With Former Rising Star CB: Report