Asante Samuel Jr. cuts free-agency tour short to sign with Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting much-needed reinforcements for their secondary.

Asante Samuel Jr, a former second-round draft pick by the Chargers in 2021, is signing with the Steelers after being cleared to resume football activities as a result of undergoing spinal fusion surgery in April.

Samuel Jr. will start on the Steelers’ practice squad and could force his way into the rotation at cornerback before long, according to ESPN.

The 26-year-old had six interceptions over his first three NFL seasons before his 2024 season was cut short due to an injury that was initially reported as a stinger in both shoulders.

The son of former four-time Pro Bowler and three-time Super Bowl champion Asante Samuel reportedly also visited the 49ers, Packers, Panthers, Vikings and Bears.

Pittsburgh (5-4) has been desperate for corner help throughout the offseason, signing Darius Slay to a one-year contract this offseason.

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The Steelers also traded for Jalen Ramsey prior to the regular season, and he has been a solid contributor after a surprising move to free safety for an otherwise unimpressive defense.

Slay is now in concussion protocol, perhaps giving Samuel Jr. an immediate opportunity to get in the lineup.

Pittsburgh also traded for Kyle Dugger at the trade deadline to be their starting strong safety.

The Steelers’ defense has improved a bit throughout the season after getting torched by Justin Fields and the Jets in Week 1, when they allowed 32 points and Fields posted his season-best QB rating (119.1).

The Steelers are now rated No. 14 in defensive DVOA.

They have a rematch Sunday against a Bengals team they struggled defensively against in Week 7, when Joe Flacco piloted Cincinnati to a 33-31 home win.

Pittsburgh leads the Ravens by one game in the AFC North.