Asante Samuel Jr. is an NFL cornerback whose career has included a productive college run at Florida State, four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, and a move to the Pittsburgh Steelers. For readers looking for an updated profile, the key questions are straightforward: where is he now, how has his career developed, and what do his numbers show?
He entered the NFL as a second-round pick in 2021 and has built a résumé that includes starting experience, interceptions and a memorable postseason performance. In 2026, he remains an active member of Pittsburgh’s secondary.
Who is Asante Samuel Jr.?
Born in Sunrise, Florida, Samuel played college football at Florida State after attending St. Thomas Aquinas High School. He is the son of former NFL cornerback Asante Samuel Sr., but his professional career has developed on its own track.
At Florida State, Samuel established himself as a ball-hawking defensive back. The Seminoles’ official profile credits him with 96 tackles, 33 passes defended, four interceptions, three tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble in 32 games. He was also a first-team All-ACC selection in 2020.
The Los Angeles Chargers selected him 47th overall in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Asante Samuel Jr. in the NFL
Samuel spent his first four NFL seasons with the Chargers from 2021 through 2024. He quickly became a regular starter, appearing in 50 games and starting 47 during that period, according to the Steelers’ 2026 player profile. Across those four seasons, he recorded six interceptions, 37 passes defended and a fumble recovery.
His 2022 campaign stands out. He appeared in all 17 regular-season games, starting 15, and finished with 57 tackles, two interceptions and 11 passes defended. The following year, he played all 17 games again and posted 63 tackles, two interceptions and 13 passes defended.
One of the defining moments of his early career came during the 2022 postseason. Pittsburgh’s official biography notes that Samuel became the first player in NFL history to record three interceptions in the first half of a playoff game, doing so against Jacksonville in the Wild Card Round.
Injuries limited Samuel to four games in 2024. After leaving Los Angeles, he joined Pittsburgh, initially spending part of the 2025 season on the Steelers’ practice squad before being elevated to the active roster. He appeared in six games that season, started three, recorded 10 tackles and intercepted one pass.
Where is Asante Samuel Jr. playing in 2026?
As of the 2026 season, Samuel is with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh signed him to a one-year contract on March 12, 2026, and he was included on the team’s initial 53-man roster.
The current Steelers roster lists him as a cornerback wearing No. 22. Through the first two regular-season games of 2026, NFL records show six total tackles and one pass defended. He recorded one tackle against Atlanta in Week 1 and five tackles against New England in Week 2.
| Career stage | Team | Key information |
|---|---|---|
| College | Florida State | 32 games; 96 tackles; 4 interceptions |
| 2021–2024 | Los Angeles Chargers | 50 games; 47 starts; 6 interceptions |
| 2025 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 6 games; 3 starts; 1 interception |
| 2026 | Pittsburgh Steelers | One-year deal; active roster |
What do his career stats show?
The numbers illustrate why Asante Samuel Jr. remains a player worth tracking. NFL.com lists Samuel with seven career interceptions, 39 passes defended and 192 combined tackles through his first two games of the 2026 regular season. He has also started 52 of 58 regular-season games listed in the current career database.
His best statistical seasons have come when he has been available for a full schedule. In 2022 and 2023, he played all 17 regular-season games, giving him opportunities to accumulate tackles, pass breakups and interceptions. His limited 2024 campaign is an important part of the context when assessing his recent trajectory.
For Samuel, availability is therefore as relevant as raw production. A cornerback’s value is not captured by interceptions alone; starts, coverage opportunities, passes defended and consistency within a defensive scheme all contribute to the broader picture.
💡 Pro Tip: When comparing a defensive back’s season, look beyond interception totals. Check games played, starts, passes defended and the consistency of his role. A small sample can make a player’s production look very different from a full season.
How does his background shape his NFL story?
Samuel’s family connection to the NFL naturally draws attention. His father, Asante Samuel Sr., was a longtime NFL cornerback who played for the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons. Florida State’s official biography identifies the younger Samuel as his son.
That connection provides useful context, but it does not replace the younger Samuel’s own record. He entered college as a highly regarded recruit, became a first-team All-ACC selection, reached the NFL as a second-round pick and developed into a starting-caliber corner during his Chargers tenure.
His path also illustrates how an NFL career can change quickly. A strong multi-season run in Los Angeles was followed by an injury-shortened 2024, a transition to Pittsburgh in 2025 and a new one-year contract in 2026.
📌 Key Takeaway: Asante Samuel Jr.’s career combines strong college production, meaningful NFL starting experience, seven career interceptions and a new opportunity with Pittsburgh in 2026. His next chapter will be shaped by health, role and continued performance in the Steelers’ secondary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What team does Asante Samuel Jr. play for?
Asante Samuel Jr. plays cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2026 NFL season. Pittsburgh signed him to a one-year contract in March 2026.
What college did Asante Samuel Jr. attend?
He played college football at Florida State University. The Seminoles credit him with 32 games, 96 tackles, four interceptions and 33 passes defended during his college career.
When was Asante Samuel Jr. drafted?
The Los Angeles Chargers selected him in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 47th overall pick.
Is Asante Samuel Jr. related to Asante Samuel Sr.?
Yes. Samuel Jr. is the son of former NFL cornerback Asante Samuel Sr. Both played defensive back, although their careers are separate.
How many NFL interceptions does he have?
NFL.com’s current career statistics list Samuel with seven regular-season interceptions through the first two games of the 2026 season.
Conclusion
Samuel has already experienced several distinct phases of an NFL career: standout college play at Florida State, a four-year starting stretch with the Chargers, an injury-shortened season, and a transition to the Steelers. In 2026, the focus is on his role in Pittsburgh and what he can add to its secondary. His career statistics and playing history provide a useful foundation, but the current season will add the next part of the story.
