The Pittsburgh Steelers had quite the 2025 offseason with major trades and notable free agent additions. The move-making carried into the regular season, highlighted by a trade for defensive back Kyle Dugger and the signing of several recognizable names. Most notably, picking up former Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. was a highlight. Pittsburgh signed Samuel to the practice squad on November 11th, but he has yet to make his Steelers debut, and if his opportunity doesn’t come soon, there’s a real chance he may never suit up in the black and gold at all.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Asante Samuel Jr. during a practice in his first weeks with the organization in 2025.
The Steelers defense has been inconsistent throughout the entire 2025 season, with the most inconsistency coming from the cornerback position. Pittsburgh brought in Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey with the hopes that the Steelers could go up against the strongest passing attacks in the league. With Slay underperforming, and numerous injuries within the secondary forcing Ramsey to move to safety, the Steelers find themselves to be pretty thin at corner.
When Samuel finally became available, it made perfect sense for him to come to Pittsburgh. However, Samuel hasn't seen the field yet; in fact, he's not even on the active roster.
Samuel is still on the Steelers’ practice squad as he works his way back to full health and continues getting comfortable with Pittsburgh’s defensive system. The team wants to ensure he’s physically ready and fully up to speed before giving him a larger role, which is understandable, but time could be running out.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. seen taking a knee while participating in a regular-season practice with his new teammates at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
While making a guest appearance on The Joe and Pomp Show on 93.7 The Fan, Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo discussed the Samuel situation in Pittsburgh.
"The Samuel one is interesting, because they are banged up at cornerback. They could probably use another body back there. I'm sure he wants to play, and he's only on the practice squad. We all know there were like 10 teams interested in him a couple of weeks ago, any of those teams can swoop in and sign him to their 53 [man roster]," Fittipaldo said.
It felt as if the Steelers were pretty fortunate to land Samuel, especially considering how many teams around the league were eager to bring him in. Pittsburgh managed to secure him at the right time, but that advantage may not last forever.
If the Steelers continue to drag their feet on adding Samuel to the active roster, those other teams that previously expressed interest could circle back and make another push for him. With multiple franchises looking to bolster their secondaries depth late in the season, Samuel may find himself with several appealing options if Pittsburgh doesn’t act soon.
"Now that would force the Steelers hand, maybe the Steelers at that point would sign him [to the active roster]," Fittipaldo added.
If it's his health or his level of preparedness that is keeping Samuel on the practice squad, the Steelers need to find a way to keep him around, and they will likely have to make a decision sooner or later.
Pittsburgh Steelers / Steelers.com
Steelers defensive back Asante Samuel Jr. talks to the media.
Steelers' Samuel Can Choose To Stay In Pittsburgh
While other NFL teams are free to attempt to poach Samuel from the Steelers’ practice squad, the decision ultimately rests with Samuel himself. He has the option to remain in the Steel City if he believes Pittsburgh offers the best opportunity for his future.
One would hope that the Steelers fully intend to elevate Samuel to the active roster and potentially develop him into an important piece of their defense. If that vision has been communicated to Samuel and he feels confident in the role they’re preparing for him, he may decide that staying put is the smartest move regardless. However, if the Steelers don't plan to bring him up anytime soon, he may choose to go somewhere that gives him a better opportunity to see the field sooner.
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