The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a significant roster move ahead of Week 13 by elevating cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. from their practice squad while placing left tackle Broderick Jones on injured reserve due to a neck injury. This development comes as the Steelers aim to strengthen their lineup amidst ongoing challenges.
Samuel Jr., a talented 25-year-old player, chose to join the Steelers after weighing offers from several teams, including a final visit with the Chicago Bears. Ultimately, Pittsburgh successfully convinced him to sign with them. He has been recovering from offseason spinal fusion surgery, which required him to secure medical clearance before he could take the field.
The son of renowned former NFL cornerback Asante Samuel, Samuel Jr. opted out of his 2020 collegiate season after participating in eight games at Florida State. He was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers as the 47th pick in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Over the course of his contract, which was valued at $7.2 million and included a signing bonus of over $2.6 million, he now finds himself testing the waters as an unrestricted free agent.
In 2024, Samuel played in four games with the Chargers, recording 13 tackles and no interceptions, alongside two pass defenses. His skills and potential have earned him a spot on our Top 100 Available Free Agents list, showcasing his promising future in the league. The Steelers’ decision to bring him on board reflects their commitment to reinforcing their roster and addressing their needs effectively as they navigate the season.