The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing back an important player.
New Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy will get to coach Asante Samuel Jr. next season.
According to multiple reports, the Steelers are re-signing Samuel Jr. to a one-year, $4 million deal.
Samuel Jr. appeared in six games for the Steelers last season. He recorded one interception and six solo tackles.
Samuel Jr. has played for the Los Angeles Chargers and Steelers. He has seven interceptions in the NFL.
The Steelers lost to the Houston Texans in the wild-card round of the 2026 playoffs. McCarthy replaced Mike Tomlin, who stepped down from his post after a legendary run.
Pittsburgh's defense gave up 22.8 points per game last season. That ranked 17th in the NFL. It will be fascinating to see how Samuel Jr. and Co. perform in 2026.
In other Steelers news, future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers has spoken with McCarthy about playing next season. McCarthy coached Rodgers on the Green Bay Packers. The two won Super Bowl XLV against the Steelers.
"I love Mike, and Mike and I have kept in contact over the years," Rodgers said. "I've had conversations with Omar. I think Omar enjoyed having me there. I think the guys had a positive response to our time together. But again, there hasn't been any deadline set on me, there hasn't been any contract floated in front of me for me to, like, 'Well, we're giving you to March 8 to make a decision on this contract.' There's been nothing to that respect. … Interested in what the conversations will be, but there hasn't been any progression when it comes to that."
Rodgers finished with 3,322 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2025. He completed 65.7% of his passes.
It will be intriguing to see if Rodgers plays another season in the NFL. The four-time MVP has 527 passing touchdowns and 66,274 passing yards with the Packers, New York Jets and Steelers.
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