The Pittsburgh Steelers have been trying to solidify the cornerback group for years now, and the organization took a step in the right direction by drafting Joey Porter Jr. in 2023. Porter has struggled with penalties at times, but overall, he has all the makings to be a top shutdown cornerback in the NFL. Opposite of Porter has been a revolving door of veteran players. Pittsburgh rostered Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace in 2023, and Donte Jackson filled that role in 2024. The organization added Darius Slay Jr. in free agency during the 2025 offseason, but it should aim to get a franchise player there for the future.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers' newest cornerback addition during the 2025 offseason, Darius Slay, on his signing day in Pittsburgh.
Fans expected Pittsburgh to target one of the top cornerbacks on the market during the 2025 offseason, like DJ Reed or Charvarius Ward, but both chose to sign elsewhere. There is still a young name on the market in Asante Samuel Jr., as he just finished up his rookie deal with the Los Angeles Chargers. It doesn't seem like he will be going back to Los Angeles, and it has been a bit odd that he has not been picked up yet.
ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler shed some light on the situation on Monday, as he revealed Samuel went through neck surgery and is waiting to sign.
"Asante Samuel Jr., one of the top free agent corners in this year’s class, is waiting to sign with a new team after undergoing neck surgery in April, per sources," Fowler wrote.
Samuel was only able to play in four games during the 2024 season before going on Injured Reserve, and his neck surgery should have fixed all medical issues he was going through. Fowler pointed out that the corner visited the New Orleans Saints on Monday, but he left the visit without a deal as he still waits to sign. He plans to play, but he is being careful with his future.
Ty Neville / Los Angeles Chargers
Former Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. during a 2024 contest in Pittsburgh.
Samuel will surely have interest from other teams aside from just the Saints. He has had a pretty good career so far, as he has been a starter for most of his time with the Chargers. The cornerback has more medical testing to go through, but after that, he will be ready to make a decision and sign with a team. Fowler reported more on the situation in an article for ESPN.
"Samuel, who visited the New Orleans Saints on Monday, has a check-up in early July, after which he will convene with several interested teams," Fowler wrote.
The timeline for Samuel seems to insinuate he will be ready to sign with a team at some point in July. There are several teams interested in his services, and Pittsburgh could very well be one of them. Slay is a solution for the 2025 season, but Samuel could also contribute immediately and be a starter on the defense for years to come.
Steelers Need To Seriously Consider Signing Asante Samuel Jr.
Currently, Samuel's market value sits at roughly $11.5 million per season, and Spotrac projects he will sign a four-year deal worth roughly $45 million. He has produced enough throughout his career to earn this type of contract, but teams might be concerned with his recent injury history. It is not out of the realm of possibility to see the corner sign a one-year prove-it deal to showcase his skills and durability.
Matt Rourke / Associated Press
Pittsburgh Steelers' new cornerback addition Darius Slay during a 2024 regular season game with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Pittsburgh needs help at cornerback, in the slot and on the outside. Slay left multiple games for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024 due to injury, so it is crucial that the Steelers have a reliable player to come on the field in relief of the veteran. The Steelers could probably get Samuel to sign a deal worth less than his market value due to his current health situation, which could wind up being a big win for the franchise.
What do you think about the Steelers adding Samuel? Let us know in the comments below!
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