Steelers Sign Asante Samuel Jr. to Practice Squad

Pittsburgh Steelers Sign Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to Practice Squad Amid Secondary Woes

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers bolstered their struggling secondary on Tuesday by signing free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to their practice squad, providing much-needed depth as the team clings to first place in the AFC North.

Samuel, a 26-year-old former second-round pick out of Florida State, spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Los Angeles Chargers after being selected 47th overall in the 2021 draft. Over 50 games, he recorded six interceptions, 37 passes defended and 148 tackles, establishing himself as a reliable starter. His most productive year came in 2023, when he tallied 63 tackles, two interceptions and 13 passes defended. However, Samuel's 2024 season ended after just four games due to a neck injury sustained in a collision, initially reported as a shoulder issue. He underwent spinal fusion surgery in April and remained unsigned through the offseason while focusing on rehabilitation.

Recently cleared for football activities by independent doctors, including the Steelers' team neurosurgeon Dr. David Okonkwo, Samuel visited several teams over the...