The legal tampering period for NFL free agency has begun and two Steelers free agents will be staying in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers agreed to terms with inside linebacker Cole Holcomb in what is being reported as a 2-year 5 million dollar contract. They also will ink a cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to a one-year deal valued at 4 million dollars.
Cole Holcomb throttles Davante Adams. Photo Credit: AP via Tribune-Review
Cole Holcomb had been one of the Steelers marquee free agent signings in the 2023 off season, signaling hope that the franchise’s quest to find stability at this critical position might finally be coming to fruition.
Holcomb earned a starting role and was beginning to prove himself as a difference maker, when he suffered a brutal, season-ending injury in the Steelers win over the Tennessee Titans.
Holcomb missed the entire 2024 season rehabbing his injury, but returned to play in 2025 where he appeared in 14 games, made 3 starts and forced a fumble in the Steelers week 3 win over the New England Patriots.
The San Die… er um, Los Angeles Chargers made Asante Samuel Jr. a 2nd round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He began starting as a rookie and held the starting role for 3 seasons, until injuries ended his 2024 campaign after just four games.
Following that Asante Samuel had spinal fusion surgery which was performed by Dr. David Okonkwo and required a long recovery.
The Steelers were one of the few teams to show interest once he was cleared to play. He joined the practice squad in November and first activated him for the Bills game.
His first start came at Acrisure Stadium against the Miami Dolphins. Samuel intercepted a Tua Tagovailoa pass in the 1st quarter just after the Dolphins had crossed into Pittsburgh territory and the play set the tone for a dominating 28-15 win by the Steelers.
Impact of Holcomb and Samuel’s Return to Steelers
Cole Holcomb was the Steelers only unrestricted free agent at inside linebacker, and his signing shores up depth at this critical position. And assuming that the speculation that Malik Harrison could be a salary cap casualty is unfounded, Holcomb gives the Steelers a ready-to-go option behind Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson.
- Samuel’s return carries a different impact.
Going into free agency, Joey Porter Jr. is the only Steelers full-time starting cornerback under contract. Samuel gives them depth at this critical position, and along with the signing of Jamel Dean, it also gives Patrick Graham a free hand in deploying Jalen Ramsey where he can be most effective.
