The Pittsburgh Steelers were thrilled when then-free agent Asante Samuel Jr. decided to sign with them after being cleared from his spinal surgery. He provided the youth and depth that the team desperately needed after trying to load up on aging veterans. While he was an upgrade when he eventually got the start, he still had some struggles. He allowed a career-high completion percentage while he was trying to get back into the swing of things, and that's a reason why Pittsburgh wanted to have him as a depth piece for 2026.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Asante Samuel Jr. (22) attempts to make a tackle during a road loss against the Cleveland Browns in 2025.
However, Samuel has shown a completely different level of himself throughout the 2026 training camp. Every day, he's making a play. He has filled in more than nicely in the first-team defense with injuries at that position. Through two weeks of practice, he appears to be the camp MVP. The Steelers have even started utilizing him in the slot to get him more reps and help him get on the field more often.
Mike McCarthy on Asante Samuel Jr.
— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) August 6, 2026
“Every time his name comes up — huge first impression with me … great energy … love his instincts and his ball skills. I think he’s been having a great camp.”
Also said he would be flexible between outside CB and slot. #Steelers
After practice on Monday, Samuel spoke about this sudden burst of talent in training camp and how he has gotten better.
Asante Samuel Jr. says he feels like he's 'mentally stronger' now than he was before the injury.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) August 10, 2026
"I just see the game a lot better as the years go on. You just have to use your mind. I'm doing that."
There's no doubt that going through a career-threatening spinal surgery is mentally challenging. The fact that Samuel has not only overcome that issue, but has become a much better player is a great sign for his future. With injuries piling up at defensive back, he will likely see the field more often than expected throughout the 2026 season, where he can really show off all of his improvements.
Samuel came out of college as a quality cornerback physically, and he performed well overall before this neck/spine issue really started hindering him. Now that he's had some time off after getting back on the field in 2025, he seems to be back to his old self physically while being much sharper mentally. That will definitely help him out, especially with this team getting him more involved in the slot.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Jaquan Brisker (left) with cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (right) during the 2026 offseason.
Samuel has seemingly already locked up a primary rotational role, and it seems like he's more than ready to be a starter whenever he needs to. At this rate, he's not just playing for a job in 2027; he may be looking for a big payday, whether that's in Pittsburgh or elsewhere. Even with all the money spent on cornerback, he looks like he's the final piece to this puzzle, and it would be hard for the Steelers to just let him walk.
Steelers May Find Any Reason To Get Samuel Involved
As mentioned, injuries have hit the cornerback position hard with Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr. still on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Both are expected to be ready for Week 1, but they could see fewer reps early on to help ease them in, especially with Ramsey expecting to be a "positionless" player as opposed to just a slot corner.
Free agent acquisition Jamel Dean has also proven to be injury-prone. Between all three starters, the Steelers may want to be careful about their reps. Even when they're all fully healthy, Samuel could come in and help give each of them a breather. He can line up at all three cornerback positions for a snap or two at a time and make sure none of them get overworked while he continues to stand out.
What do you think about Samuel's sudden improvement? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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