The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing back cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. on a one-year, $4 million contract, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The 26-year-old underwent spinal fusion surgery in April 2025 but was cleared to play in early November. Samuel initially joined the Steelers' practice squad on November 11 before making his season debut against the Buffalo Bills.

After just three weeks on the practice squad, Samuel saw his first game action in nearly a year, recording three tackles in a 26-7 loss to Buffalo. He was later elevated to the active roster and started three games, playing nearly every defensive snap as the Steelers' secondary battled injuries. Samuel tallied 10 tackles and an interception in the team's Week 15 "Monday Night Football" win against the Miami Dolphins.

Selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft, Samuel was a four-year starter before injuries forced him to undergo spinal fusion surgery. The surgery addressed chronic shoulder and neck issues he said have plagued him since birth. Samuel, son of two-time Super Bowl champion Asante Samuel, has recorded seven interceptions, one fumble recovery, and 186 tackles over his five-year career.