The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the offseason hoping to dramatically improve the secondary after allowing the fourth-most passing yards and the eighth-most passing touchdowns in 2025. The secondary could look different next season with two starters and four defensive backs set to hit free agency. One area the Steelers could improve is at outside cornerback, with James Pierre Jr., who may depart for a much higher salary, and a mid-season addition set to hit free agency.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ November signing is a free agent
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Jan 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (22) on the field before the Steelers play the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Asante Samuel Jr. missed the first half of the season waiting for medical clearance after undergoing spinal fusion surgery in his neck in April, and getting up to speed since he hadn’t played since September of the following year. He was medically cleared in early November and signed to the Steelers’ practice squad the next week, later to the active roster. Samuel made his season debut in Week 13 and recorded one interception and one pass deflection across seven appearances, including three starts, accounting for 249 snaps.
Also Read: Green Bay Packers: Cornerback Target Officially Cleared to Play, Steelers Land Top Cornerback Recently Cleared to Play
The Steelers deliver major news for mid-season addition
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Nov 30, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (22) walks the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
According to Ian Rapoport, the Steelers have re-signed him to a one-year, $4 million contract after recovering from a very significant neck/shoulder injury that required spinal fusion surgery. As a result, the former second-round pick will compete for the starting outside or slot cornerback position this offseason, especially if James Pierre Jr. does, in fact, leave. At the very least, Samuel will be a key reserve.
It’s a 1-year, $4M deal for Asante Samuel Jr. https://t.co/YtVUtzrXka
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2026