Free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. is saving the best for last. He is scheduled to visit the Pittsburgh Steelers next Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who tweeted Samuels’ busy itinerary.
Per Fowler, he’s set to visit with five other teams first: the Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, and Chicago Bears.
Asante Samuel Jr. has a packed free agency visit schedule, per source:
Panthers today, Packers on Thursday,
Vikings on Friday, 49ers on Monday, Bears on Tuesday, Steelers on Wednesday https://t.co/1WrO3XRjPg
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 5, 2025
It leaves an open question whether or not Samuel will sign with one of those teams before making it to Pittsburgh. But he may also want to explore all his options before deciding on his next NFL home. Earlier today, a partial list of Samuel’s upcoming visits left the Steelers off it. But Fowler’s full list shows the team’s interest in him.
Pittsburgh has underwhelmed at cornerback this season and has additional incentive to add help after moving Jalen Ramsey to full-time safety. Mike Tomlin didn’t commit to that being Ramsey’s home beyond the Steelers’ Week 10 game against the Los Angeles Chargers but with SS DeShon Elliott out for at least the next three games, if not longer, and Ramsey playing well in the role Sunday, it’s logical for him to remain at safety.
That leaves Pittsburgh with Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, Brandin Echols, and James Pierre as the remaining cornerbacks on its roster. Cory Trice Jr. resumed practicing last week but suffered a knee injury on his second day back. He failed to practice Friday and was ruled out of Week 9’s game.
Where Samuel would fit with the Steelers is unclear. But he’s just 26 years old and proven he can play. Health has been his biggest hang-up after undergoing spinal-fusion surgery in the offseason. He was recently medically cleared by Dr. David Okonkwo, who serves as the Steelers’ neurosurgeon. Samuels’ medical situation will be transparent to any prospective team, but Pittsburgh might have an added layer of comfort with such a direct source.
A second-round pick in 2021, Samuel has started 47 NFL games. He’s picked off six passes. His injury limited him to just four games with the Chargers last season, and Samuel became a free agent in March.
Last offseason, WR Mike Williams signed with the New York Jets before making it to his scheduled visit with the Steelers. Pittsburgh will hope Samuel makes the trip and that it convinces him the Steelers are his best fit.
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