Asante Samuel Jr. has turned a quiet opening to Steelers training camp into a real roster conversation. Through the first week and change of practices, he has broken up several passes, including a one-on-one deep ball against Aaron Rodgers while lined up with DK Metcalf.
That kind of showing is why Samuel is suddenly being searched now. He arrived after spinal fusion surgery in April, was cleared in early November, and signed with the Steelers soon after. Since then, he has gone from a late addition to one of the most noticeable defenders on the field, even as Joey Porter Jr. and Jalen Ramsey have not practiced because of injuries.
Mike McCarthy said Samuel made a huge first impression and praised the cornerback's energy, ball skills, instincts and awareness. He also said Samuel has had a better training camp than the strong offseason that came before it. The praise matters because it is coming from a defense that is trying to sort out who can handle what once everyone is healthy again.
There is still a practical question under all of that. Patrick Graham said during the offseason that Ramsey would play the STAR role in his defense, a spot that demands range, versatility and the ability to move around the formation. McCarthy's description of Samuel as a position-flexible player suggests the Steelers see him fitting more than one job, but it does not answer how much he will play when Porter and Ramsey return.
Samuel has already shown he can change a game. In Week 15 against the Miami Dolphins, he intercepted Tua Tagovailoa to end Miami's second drive, and the Steelers later led 28-3 midway through the fourth quarter before winning 28-15. That performance is the kind of play that can keep a cornerback on the field, even when a depth chart starts to crowd up.
For now, Samuel is doing more than filling in. He is making it harder for the Steelers to treat him like a temporary answer, and the next time Porter or Ramsey is ready to return, the decision will say just as much about the defense's plans as it does about Samuel's camp.
