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Before the legal tampering window even opened, the Pittsburgh Steelers locked down a familiar face. Asante Samuel Jr. is coming back after the team picked him up midway through last season.
Samuel’s road back to the field wasn’t easy. He had spinal-fusion surgery last April and didn’t get medical clearance until partway through the regular season.
MORE: WR Mike Evans confirms major decision ahead of NFL free agency
After visiting with a few interested teams, he landed on Pittsburgh’s practice squad in mid-November. By late November, he got bumped up to the 53-man roster and played in six regular-season games.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Steelers brought him back on a one-year, $4 million contract.
Over five seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers and Steelers, Samuel has racked up 154 solo tackles, 32 assists, one fumble recovery, and seven interceptions. He originally signed a one-year, $1.255 million deal with Pittsburgh last year and wrapped the season with six solo tackles, four assists, and one interception in six games.
Samuel was a second-round pick by the Chargers and has built his reputation on sharp instincts and solid ball skills in coverage. He’s good at jumping routes and getting his hands on passes.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. walks the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
But tackling has always been the knock on him. The Steelers seem fine with that under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
What is still unclear is how Samuel fits into the plans going forward. Pittsburgh has not said if he is penciled in as a starter or just extra depth, especially with the draft coming up in April. The team could still target the cornerback position early if they want to beef things up.
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The post Steelers make decision on CB Asante Samuel Jr. ahead of NFL free agency appeared first on The Big Lead.
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Samuel’s road back to the field wasn’t easy. He had spinal-fusion surgery last April and didn’t get medical clearance until partway through the regular season.
MORE: WR Mike Evans confirms major decision ahead of NFL free agency
After visiting with a few interested teams, he landed on Pittsburgh’s practice squad in mid-November. By late November, he got bumped up to the 53-man roster and played in six regular-season games.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Steelers brought him back on a one-year, $4 million contract.
Over five seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers and Steelers, Samuel has racked up 154 solo tackles, 32 assists, one fumble recovery, and seven interceptions. He originally signed a one-year, $1.255 million deal with Pittsburgh last year and wrapped the season with six solo tackles, four assists, and one interception in six games.
Samuel was a second-round pick by the Chargers and has built his reputation on sharp instincts and solid ball skills in coverage. He’s good at jumping routes and getting his hands on passes.
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Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. walks the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
But tackling has always been the knock on him. The Steelers seem fine with that under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
What is still unclear is how Samuel fits into the plans going forward. Pittsburgh has not said if he is penciled in as a starter or just extra depth, especially with the draft coming up in April. The team could still target the cornerback position early if they want to beef things up.
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NFL: Predicting the first three 2026 NFL Free Agency signings
MARCH MADNESS: ACC Tournament men’s basketball bracket, schedule revealed
MLB: Former Blue Jays pitcher, 39, announces he’ll retire immediately after WBC
NBA: Boston Celtics reveal massive Jayson Tatum update before NBA Playoffs
SPORTS MEDIA: NHL gets TV ratings bump after thrilling USA-Canada clash for Olympic gold
VIRAL: NFL star Joe Burrow cozies up with Jessica Alba at Las Vegas casino
The post Steelers make decision on CB Asante Samuel Jr. ahead of NFL free agency appeared first on The Big Lead.
Continue reading...
