Overview
- ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports the former Chargers starter is joining Pittsburgh's practice squad after receiving clearance to resume football activities.
- Samuel underwent spinal fusion surgery in April and was limited to four games in 2024 before recently being cleared for a return.
- The 26-year-old visited several teams and worked out for the 49ers on Monday before choosing Pittsburgh for his next step.
- Pittsburgh's depth need is acute, with Darius Slay in concussion protocol and Jalen Ramsey spending recent games at free safety, leaving three healthy full-time corners entering Week 11.
- A 2021 second-round pick, Samuel has 47 career starts with 176 tackles, 37 passes defensed and six interceptions, and the practice-squad deal positions him to ramp up within the Steelers' system.