The Pittsburgh Steelers’ one-year contract for CB Asante Samuel Jr. is a simple one. NFL reporter Aaron Wilson, the league’s best at obtaining contract details, shared Samuel’s new deal with the team.
Per Wilson, the one-year deal worth $4 million contains a $2.875 million signing bonus. His base salary sits at $1.25 million.
#Steelers Asante Samuel Jr. deal: one year, $4 million, $2.785M gtd through signing bonus, salary $1.215M
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 9, 2026
A straightforward deal to keep him in Pittsburgh. Samuel signed with the Steelers last season and saw the field over the final few weeks, starting three games for an injured James Pierre. Now, Samuel will replace Pierre entirely after Pierre signed a two-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings.
Across six games for the Steelers, Samuel recorded 10 tackles. His most impactful play came early in a Week 15 win over the Miami Dolphins, intercepting QB Tua Tagovailoa to jumpstart Pittsburgh’s win.
Now, Samuel will compete for a role in the Steelers’ secondary in 2026. With Joey Porter Jr. and newly-signed Jamel Dean in place, Samuel’s role, as affirmed by his contract, is as a backup. But he could function as Pittsburgh’s top cornerback off the bench and give the Steelers quality depth.
Turning 27 in October, Samuel appeared in 56 games with 50 starts. A strong cover corner with the Los Angeles Chargers, his success was interrupted by spinal fusion surgery last April that prevented him from becoming medically cleared for six months. Health aside, Samuel’s biggest drawback has been a lack of physicality and tackling, with ball skills his greatest strength. A profile similar to his father, who excelled in the NFL from 2003 to 2013.
Pittsburgh will likely still consider drafting the position next month. If CB Cory Trice Jr. can stay healthy, something he struggles to do, the Steelers’ depth will be even stronger.
Samuel is one of two Steelers to agree to re-sign with Pittsburgh. Veteran inside linebacker Cole Holcomb is also returning on a two-year, $5 million deal that Wilson also shared details of earlier Monday.
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