Samuel’s 2025 stint with the Steelers came after neck surgery and a midseason return, with a limited 7-game contribution including 3 starts during Weeks 16-17 amid cornerback injuries. He finished the regular season with 10 tackles, a pass defense, and an interception across six games, adding 28 more combined tackles and 6 pass defenses across his first three NFL seasons.
Auman notes Samuel’s past as a playmaking defender, highlighting a three-interception playoff game against the Jaguars and his early-career production, which included six interceptions over his first three seasons. The projection suggests he could be a reclamation-type target for the Cowboys, potentially reconnecting with former Chargers position coach Derrick Ansley.
For the Steelers, the question remains at cornerback: if key players return, Samuel could have been in contention for a starting role in 2026, but a Cowboys pursuit would likely prompt the team to prepare alternatives in free agency and the draft. The situation illustrates how a brief, injury-tinged cameo can influence long-term roster decisions in a highly competitive position group.
