Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. says he is performing at a higher level during Pittsburgh Steelers training camp than he did last season. The 26-year-old, who turns 27 in October, has shown strong play in the first two days of practices. Observers note he has already recorded several pass breakups.
Samuel signed with the Steelers midway through the 2025 season after recovering from a neck injury. He played in six games that year, recording one interception and one pass defensed.
He told Steelers.com’s Camp Convo on Friday that he now feels much improved. “I’m miles away,” Samuel said. “Last season, I was just trying to get my feet back under me, coming in the middle of the season, like November… Now, I feel like my old self and feel like I’m getting better and striving to be how I’m supposed to be.”
Samuel previously starred as a starting cornerback for the Los Angeles Chargers before his injury. He had six interceptions and up to 13 pass breakups in his early NFL seasons. Steelers writer Alex Kozora reported that Samuel has taken advantage of first-team reps while Joey Porter Jr. remains on the PUP list.
