Steelers' Asante Samuel Jr And Daylen Everette Create Stunning Problem: "They're Not Even The Starters"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have spent years trying to construct a secondary capable of surviving injuries, slowing down elite quarterbacks and creating game-changing turnovers. On paper, the organization may have finally solved a problem that has repeatedly returned at the worst possible moments.

Pittsburgh's projected starting trio at cornerback appears established. Joey Porter Jr. and Jamel Dean are expected to handle the outside responsibilities, while Jalen Ramsey gives new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham an experienced and versatile option in the nickel role. That already gives the Steelers an exciting foundation, but the depth developing behind those three may be the bigger training camp surprise.

Veteran cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. and rookie Daylen Everette have generated considerable excitement throughout the summer. Neither is currently projected to start, yet both have performed well enough to stand out to longtime Steelers insider Gerry Dulac. During his August 11 chat, Dulac was asked to identify the biggest surprises of Pittsburgh's training camp.

"Asante Samuel Jr. and Daylen Everette [have been the most shocking]," Dulac said via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "And they're not even the starters."

That final sentence completely changes the weight of Dulac's assessment. Training camp surprises usually emerge because an unproven player capitalizes on a vacant position, but Samuel and Everette are producing behind three established defensive backs who already appear locked into major roles.

There is no immediate path into the starting lineup for either player. However, both cornerbacks have performed well enough to become two of Dulac's biggest surprises of the entire summer, which should force Graham to find creative ways to get them involved.

Samuel's emergence carries a fascinating backstory. Pittsburgh initially signed him to its practice squad in November of 2025 after spinal fusion surgery altered the direction of his career. He eventually earned a place on the active roster and started three games while the Steelers battled significant injuries in their secondary. That late-season opportunity convinced Pittsburgh to bring Samuel back on a one-year, $4 million contract. The agreement allows him to prove that he can remain healthy while rebuilding the value he once carried as a productive starter for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Reports surrounding Samuel throughout camp have been exceptional. His veteran experience, ball skills and ability to overcome serious adversity make him far more valuable than a typical reserve cornerback. He understands how quickly injuries can change a player's career, but he also knows how rapidly an opportunity can arrive in an NFL secondary. Everette's emergence is equally surprising for entirely different reasons. The Steelers selected him with the 85th overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft after he made 41 starts at Georgia and repeatedly competed against NFL-caliber talent in the SEC.

His combination of size, speed and experience made him an intriguing developmental option. Still, few expected Everette to immediately establish himself as one of Pittsburgh's biggest training camp surprises inside such a crowded secondary. Everette does not need to force his way into the starting lineup during his rookie season. Learning behind Porter, Dean, Ramsey and Samuel gives him an opportunity to develop without being exposed before he is ready. His performance may nevertheless earn him defensive snaps much sooner than Pittsburgh originally anticipated.

Steelers Have An Exciting Secondary Problem

Pittsburgh should not manufacture a starting competition when none currently exists. Porter and Dean remain the clear outside options, while Ramsey's versatility gives Graham numerous possibilities from the nickel position and elsewhere.

Modern NFL defenses cannot survive with only three trustworthy cornerbacks. Opposing offenses regularly spread the field, injuries are inevitable and Graham will need different personnel combinations throughout a demanding 17-game schedule. Samuel and Everette give him two additional options who could enter without forcing the defense to completely change its identity.

Their emergence may also make another defensive back expendable when Pittsburgh reduces its roster to 53 players. The organization filled the room with options because cornerback has traditionally been one of football's most injury-prone positions, but several capable players are now competing for only a few available spots.

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