It's not often that you talk about a free agent target just moments before the NFL trade deadline, but here we are. The Pittsburgh Steelers should be doing their best to upgrade the roster before it's too late. There are key positions that could use some help for the remainder of the campaign. Notable needs include wide receiver and cornerback, as well as some holes across the trenches.
Outside of the receiver spot, the Steelers mostly need to fill depth roles for their squad. While they will inquire on multiple options on the trade block, don't rule out free agent Asante Samuel Jr. as a possibility. He just got cleared to return to football after a long-standing recovery from a spinal fusion. The young cornerback is raring to go, and could have a healthy market.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Steelers' neurosurgeon, Dr. David Okonkwo, completed the spinal fusion in April.
Now that Samuel is clear to play football, many teams should be requesting his talents. He was envisioned as a top free agent this past offseason before the injury news broke. Pittsburgh's team doctor completed the surgery, so there is a limited connection to build on.
The Pittsburgh Steelers should neglect the trade deadline and sign CB Asante Samuel Jr.
Many might scratch their heads at the Steelers' potential need to add a cornerback to their team. It's clear they need some help there with Darius Slay struggling this season, and Cory Trice failing to stay healthy. Not only might Pittsburgh need help with depth, but they could also require a starting-caliber player if they’re forced to bench Slay due to his ongoing struggles.
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Samuel fits the mold of Mike Tomlin's football players. The Steelers showed significant pre-draft interest in the young cornerback, who also comes from a strong football lineage. His father, Asante Samuel Sr., played in the NFL for 11 years and won two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots.
Samuel Jr. has produced a strong start to his NFL career before his injury set his career back.
It's unknown how many teams will inquire about the free agent's services, but any club that needs a cornerback that fails to acquire one before the trade deadline should be interested. He just turned 26 and, with a clean bill of health, should return to form. It might take a while for him to get back to football shape, but he is worth the gamble for any contender out there.
The Steelers make sense as a logical destination for Samuel.
This team liked Asante Samuel Jr. heading into the draft process, and his family bloodlines will make him a Mike Tomlin favorite. They need someone who can play up and down the depth chart, which this free agent can do. Pittsburgh needs insurance at the cornerback position, and signing a free agent like Samuel over paying a heavy price before the trade deadline would be best.