The Pittsburgh Steelers surprised their fans by being quiet at the NFL trade deadline this year, especially given general manager Omar Khan's recent history of making moves. It wasn't for a lack of trying, at least based on several reports, but they ultimately kept their roster as is.
Despite not making any moves on deadline day, the Steelers' trade days earlier for former New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger already looks like a solid one. The potential for more moves isn't finished either, as a forgotten free agent just reemerged after recovering from injury.
Former Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. was recently cleared to return from offseason spinal fusion surgery, and he is already setting up multiple meetings with prospective teams. The Steelers are on that list, with the team set to meet with him next Wednesday. If Samuel Jr. really is healthy, they shouldn't let him leave without a contract.
The Pittsburgh Steelers can solve one of their biggest problems by signing Asante Samuel Jr.
It's been a while since he has been on the field, but Asante Samuel Jr. was a very solid starter for the Chargers during his first three seasons from 2021-23. He racked up six interceptions and 37 pass breakups in 50 career games in Los Angeles. He suffered a shoulder injury in 2024 that ended his season after just four games, and his subsequent back surgery has kept him out of the first half of this season.
Now healthy, he could be a huge upgrade for Pittsburgh if they manage to get a deal done. Darius Slay has been dreadful this season, and the depth is nothing to get excited about. Brandin Echols has been solid as a low-cost free agent, but he is now the primary slot corner with Jalen Ramsey moving to free safety.
Samuel Jr. has played almost exclusively on the outside despite his shorter stature, so he could slide into Slay's spot once he gets up to speed. Even if it takes him some time to get back into playing shape, it would be hard to be less effective than Slay has been so far.
There is a chance unfortunately that he never even meets with the Steelers, however, as they are last in line to meet with him. I doubt he would set up that many meetings if he didn't intend to take his time making a decision, but he may end up being swayed by a team to sign before finishing his tour across the league.
If he does make it to Pittsburgh, and he shows he is ready to play, they should make him an offer he can't refuse. He is just 26 years old, could be a long-term option if things go well, and would be a great complement to Joey Porter Jr. It seems like a no-brainer, but it's rarely that easy in the NFL.