Free agent Asante Samuel Jr. has signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad
Following a strong 4-1 start to the 2025 season, the Steelers have now recorded a 5-4 record as they approach Week 11. The team has suffered losses in three of their last four matches. Pittsburgh is set to host the Bengals during Week 11.
In advance of that confrontation, the Steelers made a move by signing a free agent. Former Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. has officially joined Pittsburgh’s practice squad. The 26-year-old sustained an injury in Week 4 of the 2024 season and has not played since then. Samuel underwent spinal fusion surgery and has now fully recovered. He is set to provide a much-needed boost to the Steelers’ secondary, which is currently giving up the highest number of passing yards per game this season.
Asante Samuel Jr. is now part of the Steelers’ practice squad
One reassuring factor for the #Steelers: The surgeon who carried out Asante Samuel Jr’s operation is Dr. David Okonkwo, the #Steelers team neurosurgeon. His direct knowledge of the injury was beneficial. Samuel, by the way, has successfully passed his physical. https://t.co/eKk0oxK8TI
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 12, 2025
In the 2021 NFL draft, the Chargers selected Asante Samuel Jr. in the second round from Florida State. He spent the initial four seasons of his career with Los Angeles. Samuel played in 50 games, making 47 starts for the Chargers. Throughout his first three years in the league, Samuel provided consistent performance at cornerback. During the 2024 season, Asante Samuel Jr. suffered a significant injury requiring spinal fusion surgery.
Since that injury, Asante Samuel Jr. has been striving to return to the field. He hasn’t participated in a game for well over a year. At the beginning of November, doctors cleared Samuel Jr. for action. He held meetings with the Packers, Bears, Vikings, 49ers, Panthers, and Steelers. Ultimately, Samuel Jr. opted for Pittsburgh.
Steelers signing CB Asante Samuel Jr. to practice squad. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/JuNvwfCGBl
— NFL (@NFL) November 11, 2025
On Wednesday morning, NFL insiders confirmed the 26-year-old has agreed to terms with the Steelers’ practice squad. He appears to be a solid addition for Pittsburgh on paper. When he’s healthy, Samuel Jr. has demonstrated his effectiveness. Additionally, the Steelers are in urgent need of assistance in the secondary. As they head into Week 11, the team is allowing 269.4 passing yards per game, placing them at the bottom of the NFL.
Pittsburgh is nearly at the league average for rushing yards allowed per game in 2025. However, they are facing challenges on defense, especially in the secondary. After nine games, the Steelers are permitting a league-leading 39.7 pass attempts per game by their opponents. There’s no assurance that Asante Samuel Jr. will resolve the Steelers’ defensive issues. We will have to see how swiftly he can make a difference. The Steelers will be at home during Week 11 to take on the Bengals.
Published: 2025-11-12 16:05:00
Source: sportslens.org
