It's uncommon for a team to land an upgrade to its roster following the trade deadline. The only way to add to a team is on the waiver wire, through free agency, or the practice squad. None of the free agents are normally quality players at this point in the season, but the Pittsburgh Steelers might have landed an exception. They found a potential reinforcement for their secondary to fix some issues.
Free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. made his rounds to a handful of teams over the past week. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Samuel held visits with the Panthers, Packers, Vikings, 49ers, and Bears. All of these visits happened before he eventually signed with the Steelers' practice squad on November 11.
With them being the last stop on his tour, they had a good shot at signing the free agent.
There was no shortage of suitors for Samuel Jr., but Pittsburgh made sense for both sides. They could provide a unique opportunity for the young cornerback to land a refreshing outlook on his career, while he could jump back into free agency in the offseason to get a massive contract.
It might be a short-lived marriage, but it could help resolve ongoing issues with Darius Slay.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' addition of Asante Samuel Jr. could jeopardize Darius Slay's job
Depending on how the remainder of the campaign goes, Slay could end up asking for a release if he gets benched. Right now, he is in concussion protocol, and he has left games on a routine basis for a variety of injuries. Samuel Jr. has a lot to prove before he lands a starting job in Pittsburgh, but he's young and has speed, which Slay has struggled with this season.
It shouldn't come as a shock to anyone for the Steelers to express interest in signing the newly medically cleared free agent. They showed significant pre-draft interest in Samuel Jr., which is something the team typically values in future signings.
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There are plenty of dots to connect this cornerback to Pittsburgh, and their prize possession from free agency this offseason hasn't panned out. Slay has looked old and injured this season.
Mike Tomlin surely loves this young corner's NFL bloodlines. The Steelers organization prefers players who have parents or close relatives who either played in the NFL or reached a high level of football. Not only did his father, Asante Samuel, make it to the NFL, but he also played for 11 seasons and won two Super Bowls during his career. Samuel Jr.'s bloodlines are strong.
Beyond the obvious reasons based on talent evaluation, the Steelers would love to have Samuel Jr. become an instant contributor. The team appears ready to roll with Jalen Ramsey and Kyle Dugger as the starting safeties for the remainder of the season. That means Brandin Echols will remain in the slot, with Slay and Joey Porter Jr. starting on the outside.
With Slay struggling with consistent injuries and poor play, signing Samuel Jr. would likely fix some issues.