Pittsburg, PA
Steelers Have Overlooked Young CB
As far as starters go, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ group at cornerback seems rather set.
Joey Porter Jr. is coming off a breakout third season with the Steelers where he established himself as a top-10 player at the position, if not better than that, and Jamel Dean is his new running mate on the boundary after signing a three-year, $36.75 million deal with the team in free agency.
Jalen Ramsey should handle a large chunk of the snaps in the slot, though Brandin Echols could also see some time there if he makes the 53-man roster as expected.
With Pittsburgh also having third-round pick Daylen Everette waiting in the wings, Asante Samuel Jr. has almost become the forgotten man in the cornerback room after re-signing with the team on a one-year, $4 million contract. That doesn’t mean he should be overlooked, however,
How Did Samuel Jr. Perform in His First Season With Steelers?
After undergoing spinal fusion surgery in April 2025, Samuel Jr. was cleared to play in early November.
He took several visits with teams around the league, but ultimately decided to sign to Pittsburgh’s practice squad.
Samuel Jr. made his debut for the Steelers during their Week 13 bout with the Buffalo Bills after being elevated from the practice squad. He later signed to the team’s 53-man roster in early December and logged 222 defensive snaps over six regular season contests (three starts), posting an interception and 10 tackles in the process.
According to Pro Football Reference, Samuel Jr. allowed 10 catches for 204 yards and four touchdowns on 14 targets in coverage.
Does Samuel Jr. Have Untapped Potential?
Assuming Porter Jr. signs a massive extension as he heads into the final year of his rookie deal, coupled with the financial commitment the Steelers made to Dean this offseason, it won’t be easy for Samuel Jr. to play his way into the starting lineup.
There is room for him, though, to continue improving and become a valuable depth piece on the boundary who plays anywhere between 20 to 30 snaps a game.
Samuel Jr. has logged minimal reps from the slot throughout his time in the NFL, and Pittsburgh has more experienced options there anyways, which could theoretically limit his playing time because he’s not super versatile.
He proved himself to be a ballhawk early in his career with the Los Angeles Chargers, recording six interceptions from 2021 to 2023, and he was always a solid starting-caliber corner.
Samuel Jr. has had some issues as a tackler, but given his athleticism and potential in coverage, he’s a sleeper in the Steelers’ cornerback room who could make a real difference in Patrick Graham’s defense in 2026.
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Pittsburg, PA
Pittsburgh Pirates Select Incoming Tennessee Baseball Transfer Outfielder In MLB Draft | Rocky Top Insider
The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Tennessee baseball transfer commit Andrew Duncan with the 558th pick (19th round) in the 2026 MLB Draft on Sunday afternoon. A Wright State outfielder, Duncan committed to Tennessee out of the transfer portal last month.
Duncan is coming off a breakout junior season at Wright State where he slashed .367/.436/.577 with six home runs, 11 doubles, eight triples and 36 RBIs. As the eight triples indicate, speed is a key part of Duncan’s game with the outfielder stealing 19 bases on just 22 attempts.
The Dunedin, Florida native spent his freshman season at Florida State where he played in just 13 games before transferring to Wright State for his sophomore season. Duncan transferred to Tallahassee State College for his sophomore season before moving back up to the division one level at Wright State last season.
More From RTI: Elite Tennessee Baseball Catcher Signee Withdraws From MLB Draft, Will Play for Vols
Duncan played centerfield for the Raiders last season and will likely slide into that same spot at Tennessee next season if he does not sign with Pittsburgh. Outfield was a major point of emphasis for the Vols this offseason after losing Reese Chapman to graduation, Garrett Wright to the MLB Draft and both Jay Abernathy and Nate Eisfelder to the transfer portal.
Losing Duncan would be a real blow because of Tennessee’s need in centerfield for next season. A number of other Vols including Levi Clark, Blake Grimmer and Mercer transfer Braydon Kersey are capable of playing in the outfield but likely could not play centerfield at a high level defensively.
Duncan is one of 11 transfers to commit to Tennessee this offseason along with Air Force infielder Wyatt Hanoian, Cal Baptist shortstop Chris Ramirez, Baylor infielder Travis Sanders, FIU infielder Mario Trivella, Clemson right-handed pitcher Hayden Simmerson, Louisville right-handed pitcher Parker Detmers, South Carolina left-handed pitcher Jake McCoy, Northwestern State left-handed pitcher Brody Trosclair, UC Irvine left-handed pitcher Ricky Ojeda and Mercer two-way Braydon Kersey.
Today we are seasonable with partly cloudy skies and highs in the mid-80s.
There are a few isolated showers this afternoon and evening, but not a washout, and nothing severe is expected.
Most will be mainly dry, and the dry weather carries into the week with highs near 90 and plenty of sunshine.
Hourly Conditions:
- 9 a.m.: 74° Mostly Sunny
- Noon: 80° Mostly Cloudy
- 3 p.m.: 82° Showers
- 6 p.m.: 81° Mostly Sunny
We could see our 6th 90-degree day of the year on Tuesday, with two more following through Thursday, plus it could feel in the triple digits for some areas. Wednesday will be the hottest!
Our next best chance of rain and storms is Friday and throughout the weekend!
A motorcyclist has died following a crash in North Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County.
Charles McCutcheon, 59, of Jeannette, was traveling west on Lincoln Highway when his motorcycle collided with a Kia sedan traveling east and attempting to turn into a local business, according to a public information report from Westmoreland County Coroner John Ackerman.
The crash, reported around 11:30 a.m. Saturday at 12259 Lincoln Highway, was described as a head-on collision. McCutcheon was pronounced dead approximately one hour later.
McCutcheon’s cause and manner of death are pending toxicology results, the coroner’s office said.
North Huntingdon Township police were handling the investigation.
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