The Pittsburgh Steelers are signing veteran cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to their practice squad, according to multiple reports. Samuel, recently cleared after spinal fusion surgery, adds depth to a secondary plagued by injuries. The 26-year-old former Chargers second-round pick brings six career interceptions to Pittsburgh.
Asante Samuel Jr., a 2021 second-round pick out of Florida State by the Los Angeles Chargers, is joining the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad. The move comes after Samuel was medically cleared to resume football activities in early November 2025, following spinal fusion surgery performed in April by Steelers neurosurgeon Dr. David Okonkwo. Samuel has not played since Week 4 of the 2024 season due to the injury.
In his four NFL seasons with the Chargers, Samuel appeared in 50 games, starting 47, and recorded 176 tackles, six interceptions, and 37 passes defensed. He notched two interceptions in each of his first three seasons and had a standout playoff performance in the 2022 AFC wild-card round, with three interceptions and six pass breakups during a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. At 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, Samuel primarily played outside corner but has slot capability.
The Steelers, who worked out Samuel on Tuesday alongside former first-rounder C.J. Henderson, opted to sign him despite his year-long absence. Pittsburgh's secondary has been hit hard by injuries this season: DeShon Elliott is on injured reserve with a knee issue, prompting Jalen Ramsey to shift to free safety full-time, while Darius Slay is in concussion protocol after the Week 10 loss to the Chargers. Brandin Echols has moved to nickel corner, with Joey Porter Jr. and James Pierre providing additional depth.
Recent roster moves include trading for strong safety Kyle Dugger, who earned a game ball in Week 9 against the Colts, re-signing undrafted rookie Sebastian Castro, and releasing veteran safety Juan Thornhill. Samuel's addition addresses the need for experienced cornerback depth ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Bengals, where quarterback Joe Flacco threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns in Cincinnati's 33-31 Week 7 win over Pittsburgh. The Steelers stand at 5-4 after their latest loss.
