Florida State is known as “DBU” because of all of the defensive backs who have left FSU and been productive in the NFL. One player in recent years that some Florida State fans have likely forgotten about is Asante Samuel Jr.
The second-round selection of the 2021 NFL Draft had a productive career until he missed most of the 2024 and 2025 seasons with an injury that required surgery. Samuels underwent spinal fusion surgery in April 2025, and was cleared to play in November.
He appeared in six games, stayed healthy, and played well enough that the Pittsburgh Steelers felt comfortable signing him to a one-year, four-million-dollar deal (2.78 million in guarantees) on Monday:
The Steelers are re-signing corner Asante Samuel Jr. to a one-year, $4M deal, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 9, 2026
Samuel, who recovered from neck surgery in 2025, gets a full season in Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/3ty2RHWkkv
This contract is essentially a “prove it” contract to see if he can still play at a high level. If Asante Samuels Jr. plays well this season, it’ll likely result in another two or three-year contract with Pittsburgh or some other team can sign him.
Samuels won't turn 27 years old until about midway through the 2026 NFL season. Most defensive backs don't start falling off until they turn 30, especially if they remained relatively healthy and didn't have any knee or leg injuries that could cause them to lose a step speed wise.
Samuel has had some concussion issues early in his career, but the shoulder/spine issue is the only injury he's dealt with that I know of.
Samuel Jr. is small in stature but has always had a dawg mentality. Here's to hoping he can stay healthy and earn another contract to continue representing FSU in the NFL.