By admin 
As the Pittsburgh Steelers approach the end of preseason, several notable developments have emerged. Multiple players, position battles, and even schematic adjustments have stood out. One of the biggest developments has been the play of the secondary. With Joey Porter Jr. currently on the PUP List, other defensive backs have an opportunity to make their case for larger roles. One cornerback in particular has turned heads throughout camp. Asante Samuel Jr. has made a strong case for increased involvement in the defense, and his head coach has hinted at that possibility as well.
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Head coach Mike McCarthy spoke with the media earlier in preseason and highlighted Samuel’s performance. He also provided insight that could represent a major step forward for the sixth-year cornerback.
“Mike McCarthy says Asante Samuel Jr. is someone who has position-flexibility to play outside AND in the slot. First time we’ve heard the possibility of moving to the slot for No. 22,” Nick Farabaugh of PennLive reported.
Samuel has been making a case for a bigger role
Samuel joined the Steelers late last season after undergoing a successful neck procedure and completing his recovery. He made several key contributions, including creating turnovers and stepping in when injuries impacted the secondary.
The Steelers brought Samuel back despite signing Jamel Dean in free agency and selecting another cornerback in the draft. However, Samuel is far from just a depth option. His strong start to training camp and preseason has made a compelling case that he belongs in a significant role.
If anything, Samuel has made it increasingly difficult to envision him not being a major part of this defense. He has performed at a high level through the first portion of camp, at times even outplaying the team’s free-agent addition, Dean.
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One of the most notable takeaway was Samuel’s ability to play both outside cornerback and in the slot. Samuel has primarily worked as a boundary corner throughout training camp and during his time with the Steelers last season. Could the Steelers be providing a glimpse into where he could contribute in 2026?
What could a Samuel slot role do for the defense?
Ramsey is currently expected to take on responsibilities in the slot and at free safety. However, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has expressed his desire to move Ramsey around the defense. That could include the two previously mentioned roles, boundary cornerback, or even a box safety position.
Samuel’s versatility could help make that possible, especially in zone-heavy schemes where he has excelled. He has proven to be highly effective in zone coverage while still providing value as a man-coverage corner.
Deploying Samuel in the slot would give the Steelers additional flexibility with their defensive packages. It would prevent the secondary from becoming locked into specific roles, especially among the safeties and cornerbacks outside of Porter.
Time will tell whether the Steelers decide to feature Samuel in a potential dime package role. However, hearing McCarthy highlight this part of Samuel’s game is an encouraging sign for the sixth-year cornerback and his potential impact on the defense.
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This story was originally published August 26, 2026 at 3:00 PM.