The Pittsburgh Steelers are unlikely to trade cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. before the regular season due to concerns over his spinal fusion surgery. Mike DeFabo of The Athletic explained the complicating factors on his podcast.
Samuel underwent spinal fusion surgery in April 2025 and received clearance midway through the 2025 season. He played 222 defensive snaps that year and has said he feels the best he has since entering the NFL.
DeFabo noted that some teams were surprised Samuel was cleared to play at all. He added that not every team would clear him, though the Steelers are more lenient given their knowledge of the procedure performed by team-affiliated doctors.
The medical history limits potential trade partners seeking a 2027 draft pick. Pittsburgh has shown willingness to take risks on players with prior concerns, including Darnell Washington, Payton Wilson, and Cory Trice Jr.
The same surgeon, Dr. David Okonkwo, performed spinal fusion surgery on teammate Broderick Jones in December, with a training camp return expected but reports of a setback already emerging.
