Steelers Are Expecting Big Things Out Of Backup Now That He Has Expanded Role

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered training camp in 2026 with something that they typically don't have: depth at many positions. In recent years, they have been ravaged by injuries, which led to issues that stemmed from them not having a very deep squad. With the long haul of the season underway, that area of the team is already getting test due to issues at different areas, like defensive back and wide receiver. Michael Pittman Jr. was ruled out for Pittsburgh's Week 2 game, so we will see just how deep that aspect of the team is. 

That also extends to the cornerback room. As everyone knows by now, Joey Porter Jr. has been missing time with a "back injury"; although, it seems to be more like a ploy to not have to play for the team that he is upset with. Either way, the Steelers were very excited about the depth at that position, and it will continue to get tested until a final decision is made on the disgruntled defensive back. 

So far, things are looking up on that front. After practice on Friday, secondary coach Joe Whitt Jr. spoke about the next man up for Porter's spot and what his expectations are, as transcribed by Nick Farabaugh.

"Asante [Samuel Jr.'s] had a phenomenal camp," Whitt said. "I just hope he takes what he had in camp and continues to play that way all season, and he's a high-level player. That's what we expect his play to be, because he's a damn good football player."

Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. was seen as the MVP of training camp with how well he progressed and played in this new defense. Despite that, he was expected to be the primary backup/rotational piece throughout the season until Porter started missing games. Unless he and the team find a way to rebuild this bridge, the second-year Steeler will end up being the full-time starter.

Samuel did start Week 1, although he was barely tested due to the lack of wide receiver depth for the Atlanta Falcons, as well as the fact that their quarterback was mostly throwing checkdowns and swing passes to his running back, Bijan Robinson. The real test starts in Week 2 against the New England Patriots, who have some lowkey quality wideouts from top to bottom. 

Playing great in training camp and preseason is nice, but that doesn't always translate to the real games. Samuel won't be required to outright fill Porter's shoes, but he will need to hold his own no matter which receiver he faces. 

His coaches have been impressed with his game so far, but this "high-level player" needs to prove it against the defending AFC Champions, the against back-to-back division rivals.

Steelers Still Have Quality Depth Behind Samuel At Outside Cornerback

After Samuel, the next man up is either Brandin Echols or Daylen Everette. Echols is a versatile veteran that can work in the slot or the outside. Now that Porter is missing games and Jalen Ramsey is primarily playing that nickel position when the Steelers are in that personnel grouping, he will likely see more time as a rotational piece on the outside. He is a high-quality backup that would start on a bunch of other teams.

During training camp and preseason, Everette held his own no matter who he was matched up on. He is expected to be a developmental piece, but with Porter likely never playing in Pittsburgh again, he will definitely see some level of increased playing time. Even if he is on the field for just a few snaps here and there, getting these meaningful reps in should help him grow into a better cornerback for 2027 and beyond.

What do you think about Whitt's take on Samuel, as well as the overall depth at the cornerback position? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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