The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a big signing.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are 5-4 and sit atop the AFC North division, but the Baltimore Ravens are suddenly threatening at 4-5, and the Steelers clearly have some issues that need to be repaired.
While Pittsburgh did not make any moves at the trade deadline, it did just strike with a rather significant addition in free agency, signing cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to the practice squad, via Ian Rapoport of NFL media.
Samuel was recently fully cleared after undergoing spinal fusion surgery during the offseason. He had a host of suitors after being cleared, but he decided to join the Steelers, who should present him with a great opportunity for playing time.
Pittsburgh ranks last in the league in passing defense, so Samuel's services are definitely needed. The Steelers will almost certainly elevate from the practice squad relatively soon.
Samuel spent the first four years of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers and was a productive member of their defensive backfield. His best season came in 2023, when he racked up 63 tackles, a couple of interceptions and 13 passes defended.
Asante Samuel Jr. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.Last year, the 25-year-old played in just four games before hitting the injured reserve list due to the injury that would ultimately lead to his surgery.
Samuel was originally selected by the Chargers in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. While the Florida State product has never made a Pro Bowl, he has definitely been a solid contributor. Of course, we will have to see how effective he is coming off such a major procedure.
The Steelers just fell to Samuel's former Chargers squad by a score of 25-10 this past Sunday, and while Pittsburgh's offense was more of an issue than its defense in the affair, it's obvious that the Steelers need to add some pieces.
Unfortunately, outside of Samuel, there really isn't much Pittsburgh can do now that the trade deadline has come and gone, but if Samuel can get on the field and stay healthy, he could comprise a huge pickup for the squad.
The Steelers will face the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday.