The Pittsburgh Steelers stayed quiet on trade deadline day, but their midseason additions have reshaped the roster. Adding Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kyle Dugger, and most recently Asante Samuel Jr. would have looked like a productive deadline haul for Omar Khan. Samuel could prove to be the most impactful piece yet.
“He’s a major factor in my opinion,” Brandin Echols said Wednesday during his pre-practice media session. “I watched a lot of his film before coming to the league. He’s a hell of a player, so with that I just can’t wait to see him ball.”
The Steelers desperately needed some corner depth. Cory Trice Jr. was supposed to be a key depth piece, but he landed on IR with a new knee injury during his 21-day practice window and may not play this season. And DeShon Elliott’s injury forced Jalen Ramsey to shift to safety. That change has worked extremely well for the defense but can only remain that way if the cornerback room stays healthy. Darius Slay’s concussion in Week 10 already put a strain on that plan.
Samuel was a productive player for three-plus years with the Los Angeles Chargers before suffering a season-ending spinal injury in 2024. He would have been one of the top free agents last March if he wasn’t injured. His 37 passes defensed and six INTs in 47 career starts made him one of the most productive young corners in the league. The passes defensed figure was tied for the eighth most with Darius Slay and Michael Davis over his three healthy seasons.
Check out Josh Carney’s recent film room breakdown of Samuel and what he can add to the team.
Darius Slay has had his struggles this season, and Brandin Echols is the primary slot corner with Ramsey at safety. If Samuel can return to pre-injury form, he has a chance to become a starting corner opposite Joey Porter Jr. At the very worst, he provides depth and ensures Ramsey can remain at safety.
Samuel’s arrival gives the Steelers’ secondary a much-needed boost as they gear up for the stretch run.
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