The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing back defensive back Asante Samuel Jr. on a one-year agreement worth $4 million, as reported by a source to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Following a spinal fusion procedure in April 2025, Samuel, 26, received clearance to return to play in early November.
He first joined the Pittsburgh Steelers’ developmental squad on Nov. 11 and made his season debut in almost twelve months just three weeks thereafter, facing the Buffalo Bills, registering three tackles. He was subsequently promoted to the main squad and ended up starting three contests — participating in nearly every defensive play during that period — as the Steelers’ defensive backfield contended with a wave of ailments.
Samuel tallied 10 tackles and secured an interception during the Steelers’ Week 15 Monday Night Football triumph over the Miami Dolphins.
Chosen by the Los Angeles Chargers in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft, Samuel held a starting role for four seasons with the Chargers until an ailment forced him off the field, leading him to opt for spinal fusion surgery to address complications in his shoulders and neck that he stated had afflicted him from birth.
Being the offspring of Asante Samuel, a defensive back who won two Super Bowls, he has accumulated 50 starts during his half-decade career, also compiling seven interceptions, one fumble recovery, and 186 tackles.
ESPN’s Brooke Pryor provided material for this article.