When will Asante Samuel Jr. play—if he plays—and what will his role be?
We’re going on a third week now since the Steelers signed veteran CB Asante Samuel Jr. to the practice squad with no movement. Were it not for major surgery, he would have figured to cash in handsomely during free agency. There’s a reason he had meetings lined up with a good chunk of the league before he signed.
But there was also, presumably, nobody offering huge wads of cash. The reality is that everybody wants to see who Asante Samuel Jr. is, not just right now but in the future. Samuel underwent a spinal fusion surgery this offseason, which he said was to address a lifelong issue. But an injury only described as a stinger preceded that and kept him on IR most of last season.
It just so happens that the Steelers could actually use a quarterback right now. James Pierre is a player who was on the roster bubble, and now he’s starting. Jalen Ramsey is at safety, Joey Porter Jr. is ailing, and Darius Slay is past his prime. Asante Samuel Jr. could be a much-needed influx of young talent, if he pans out.
But we don’t even know if the Steelers even have any clear plan or intention to play him. While he is only signed to the practice squad, that is not atypical for in-season veteran signings as they get up to speed. Samuel hasn’t played football in over a year, so two weeks of practice isn’t a lot.
Once a sufficient period of time passes, though, what do they envision for him? Do the Steelers hope Asante Samuel Jr. is in the starting lineup by the end of the season? In theory, he should certainly be one of their two best cornerbacks, anyway, but how can they know?
Perhaps someone will ask Mike Tomlin about Samuel today. It would seem a good opportunity given Porter’s injury, Slay’s role, and Pierre’s fluid status in the lineup.
After another disappointing season and months of retooling, the Steelers are set to try it all again in 2025. Though they limped into the playoffs, they once again embarrassed themselves therein.
Just like last year, the biggest question hanging over the Steelers isthe quarterback question. They settled in on Aaron Rodgers, but we still have a lot to learn about him. The2025 NFL Draft class could play a big role, but veteran additions like Jalen Ramsey will be paramount.
Now we are in the regular season. From Rodgers to George Pickens to Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ramsey, we’ve seen the Steelers make some big changes. Now it’s about evaluating the roster in place and figuring out how it all works out.
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