Overview
- Samuel agreed to a practice-squad deal with Pittsburgh after receiving medical clearance to resume football activities following his April spinal-fusion procedure.
- The 26-year-old cornerback visited or worked out for several teams, including the Panthers, Packers, Vikings and 49ers, and chose the Steelers ahead of a scheduled visit to Chicago.
- San Francisco hosted a workout Monday that coach Kyle Shanahan described as a check on Samuel’s current condition rather than a signing push.
- Pittsburgh’s secondary has been stretched by injuries, with Darius Slay in concussion protocol and Jalen Ramsey spending recent games at free safety, leaving only three healthy full-time corners before this move.
- Reports note Samuel’s surgery was performed by Steelers neurosurgeon Dr. David Okonkwo; the practice-squad signing provides a ramp-up path with the potential for elevation to the active roster later this season.