Steelers waive Darius Slay, add Asante Samuel Jr. and waiver claim Adam Thielen to 53-man roster

Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Dec 2, 2025

Published in Football

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PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are signing cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to their 53-man roster and waiving veteran cornerback Darius Slay, sources have told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

That wasn’t their only move on Tuesday. They claimed former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen off waivers and signed him to their 53-man roster, as well.

In his 12-year career, the past nine with the Vikings, Thielen has 693 receptions, 8,380 yards and 64 touchdowns. He had two seasons — 2018 and 2023 with the Carolina Panthers — with over 100 receptions.

Samuel played in his first game with the Steelers on Sunday after being signed to the practice squad last month.

Because he was deemed healthy and ready to play after having spinal fusion surgery in April, the Steelers did not want to risk another team trying to claim Samuel from the practice squad and tempt him with a better offer.

Slay, 34, has been a disappointment after signing a one-year, $10 million deal as an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. His signing, coupled with the addition of Jalen Ramsey, gave hope to Mike Tomlin that his trio of cornerbacks “could run and cover with anybody.”

But Slay’s playing time has slowly diminished and he was replaced in the starting lineup the past two games by James Pierre.

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