Chicago Bears lose out on defensive back

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Zack Pearson | Last updated Nov 11, 2025 6:40 PM ET

It’s becoming more and more clear that the injuries on the Chicago Bears’ defense is impacting the secondary as the weeks go on. With Joe Flacco throwing for a career-high in yards and then Jaxson Dart turning in an impressive game for three quarters, Chicago’s secondary is struggling.

Even after the addition of C.J. Gardner-Johnson, there was room to add another defensive back. And they had their eyes set on a former second-round pick in Asante Samuel Jr. The former Los Angeles Chargers defensive back was finally cleared after spinal surgery and he had multiple visits lined up, including to Chicago.

Now, Samuel Jr. has found his latest job.

Chicago Bears miss out on Asante Samuel Jr.

Sep 17, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears were one of the teams that had a visit set for Samuel Jr. on Tuesday. But he has now made up his mind and is heading to a future Bears opponent.

Per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Samuel Jr. is set to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers on their practice squad. The move comes on Tuesday after his final visits.

Free-agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. is signing with the Steelers practice squad, per source.

A top-25 free agent in March, Samuel recovered from spinal-fusion surgery in time to sign for the season’s second half. Now, he gets a new start with Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/pK5QfhfEy0

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 11, 2025

Samuel Jr. has shown flashes of being a really good corner, entering last season as the Chargers top corner. He hurt himself in Week 6 against Denver and had to undergo spinal surgery. But now an independent doctor has cleared him, and he is ready to work his way back into football.

He also ranked as a top 25 free agent in free agency this past offseason, but he did not find a home right away. In 50 career games, including 47 starts, Samuel Jr. has 176 total tackles and six interceptions.

The Steelers will come to Chicago in Week 12 to face off against the Bears.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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