$4 Million CB Named Pittsburgh Steelers’ Best Addition in 2026 Season

· Yahoo Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ most valuable addition has been cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., whose one-year, $4 million contract has translated into a prominent role in the secondary. His coverage production and recovery from a major injury have helped Pittsburgh navigate a reshaped cornerback group during the 2026 NFL season.

Samuel returned to the Steelers after joining the practice squad late in 2025 and appearing in six games. The team signed him to a new one-year deal in March, giving him an opportunity to build on that late-season work. He has since established himself as a starter alongside Jamel Dean, contributing to a defense that has made changes to its cornerback rotation.

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Jan 14, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) reacts after losing to the Jacksonville Jaguars during a wild card game at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Through seven games, Samuel has recorded seven pass deflections, a key indicator of his activity in coverage. The production has helped solidify his place in the lineup and given Pittsburgh confidence in its outside cornerback options. His presence has also factored into the team’s willingness to move on from Joey Porter Jr., who was traded to the Dallas Cowboys.

Samuel’s return to a consistent role carries added significance because he underwent spinal fusion surgery in April 2025. The surgery interrupted his career, making his return notable. Pittsburgh’s investment was modest compared with many veteran contracts, but his contributions have been substantial at the position.

ESPN’s NFL Analysis Names Asante Samuel Jr. as Pittsburgh Steelers’ Best Offseason Addition

November 13, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Samuel was named as Pittsburgh’s best addition during the offseason. This is detailed more in an analysis by Jeremy Fowler for ESPN.

Best offseason addition: CB Asante Samuel Jr.

Both of the Steelers’ starting cornerbacks, Samuel and Jamel Dean, have made big plays this season. But Samuel has turned a modest one-year, $4 million deal into a solidified role. Part of the reason Pittsburgh was comfortable trading cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to Dallas was because of Samuel, who has parlayed a stellar offseason into seven pass deflections through seven games. He has successfully rebuilt his career after undergoing spinal fusion surgery in April 2025.

Across his career, Samuel has started 50 of 56 appearances and recorded six interceptions and 37 passes defended in four seasons with Los Angeles. The cornerback has also embraced the challenge of being targeted by opposing quarterbacks. His willingness to compete in coverage has helped him remain involved, while the team has benefited from having another experienced defender capable of handling demanding assignments.

The Steelers’ decision to bring Samuel back has yielded a dependable role and meaningful production at a critical position. Sustaining that performance will be important as the season progresses, particularly with opponents continuing to test the coverage. For now, he has turned a $4 million agreement into one of Pittsburgh’s most impactful offseason moves.

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