There will be several veterans on the Pittsburgh Steelers who must earn their spots on the 53-man roster this year. Training camp will be vital when it comes to those players earning their jobs. If they fail to prove their worth, the new coaching staff could see them as expendable. Some spots are up for grabs with training camp on the horizon, especially on defense.
With moving parts across the secondary, the Steelers will have some tough decisions to make. Not only will roster cuts be difficult, but the division of snaps among starters will also play a factor this preseason. Pittsburgh has some good problems to deal with this year, but it won't be an easy decision to make. Things could always get more challenging if they add a free agent or two.
One veteran sticks out like a sore thumb when it comes to the possibility of them losing a job: Asante Samuel Jr.
He was added in the middle of last season and gained starting snaps towards the end of the campaign. He showed some promise, and that performance enticed the Steelers to re-sign him. The club has added upgrades to the position, and if Samuel isn't careful, he could get cut.
Pittsburgh Steelers CB Asante Samuel Jr. could struggle to make the 53-man roster
The fact that the Steelers signed Asante Samuel Jr. back on a one-year deal worth $4 million speaks volumes. It is a value that provides him with a pay raise and should give him a strong shot at making the 53-man roster. With that said, it doesn't give him any guarantees. A large investment was added to the cornerback group this offseason, and that makes Samuel's job less secure than before.
One of the biggest concerns surrounding his job in Pittsburgh is his lack of versatility.
Samuel is an outside cornerback, and others on the depth chart have the ability to play both outside and in the slot to some extent. That hindrance will force Samuel to show he is a good enough player on the outside to win a roster spot. Failing to do so will cost him starting snaps and potentially his employment.
Another factor working against Asante Samuel Jr. and his chances of making the Steelers roster is the talent brought into the building. They added Jamel Dean for a starting job and added Daylen Everette in the NFL Draft. Dean was given a massive contract and took over Samuel's starting spot. Everette was a high draft pick and provides the versatility that the veteran cornerback lacks.
When it comes down to it, Asante Samuel Jr.'s job isn't a lost cause yet, but it's inching closer to that.
Expect the Steelers to keep five or six at the position when final roster cuts arrive. That means Samuel must beat out guys like Brandin Echols, a couple of depth safeties, and potentially outside additions. Failure to prove himself could lead to a shocking roster decision.
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