Is Deebo Samuel A Good Fit For The Steelers?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are searching for a spark on offense, and there’s a player who could provide exactly that: Deebo Samuel. With his unique blend of versatility, toughness, and sheer playmaking ability, Samuel could inject the energy boost the Steelers desperately need.

Samuel is similar to Cordarrelle Patterson in terms of his ability to be used in multiple ways, but he takes that versatility to another level. While Patterson is a strong hybrid player, Samuel is more explosive and dynamic. Over his career, he has thrived as a multi-tool weapon for the 49ers—breaking tackles, making defenders miss, and turning routine plays into jaw-dropping moments. That kind of playmaking ability would instantly make the Steelers’ offense more dangerous. Patterson showed a few flashes of this ability last season, but Samuel delivers it consistently.

One of Samuel’s greatest strengths is his run-after-catch ability, which is among the best in the league. He can take a quick screen pass and turn it into a 40-yard touchdown at any moment. This is exactly the kind of explosiveness the Steelers need. While George Pickens and Calvin Austin have made big plays after the catch, they haven’t done so with the same level of consistency as Samuel. Every time he touches the ball, there’s a sense that something special might happen—he’s the type of player who can electrify an entire stadium.

Beyond his skill set, Samuel embodies what it means to be a football player. At 6’0″, 215 pounds, he plays with an edge that fires up his teammates, bringing a level of physicality and intensity that sets the tone for the entire team. Adding him to the Steelers’ roster would immediately shift the energy on offense. Imagine him and Jaylen Warren on the field together—two electric players who embrace physical football at the skill positions.

The beauty of Samuel’s game is that defenses have to account for him on every play. No matter where he lines up, he’s a threat, which would make life easier for whoever is under center. With Samuel on the field, the Steelers’ offense would gain another weapon that opposing defenses would constantly have to account for.

Samuel also brings valuable big-game experience. He’s played in two Super Bowls and has proven he can perform under pressure throughout his career. The Steelers understand the value of players who have been in those types of games, and Samuel’s experience could be invaluable in crucial moments, especially in the wide receiver room.

While acquiring Samuel would be a great move for Pittsburgh, it shouldn’t be their only one at wide receiver. If the Steelers bring back a quarterback like Justin Fields, they will likely focus more on the running game, reducing the need for another WR1-type receiver. However, if they sign a quarterback like Matthew Stafford, they would emphasize the passing game, making an additional top-tier pass catcher more necessary. Whoever is under center in 2025 will determine what type of receiver they may also bring in alongside Samuel, whether through free agency, trade or the draft.

At this point in his career, Deebo may not be a true WR1, but he would be the perfect complementary piece—bringing unpredictability and explosiveness to the offense. With him on the field, defenses would have to respect multiple threats. He can line up at receiver one play and at running back the next, making the Steelers’ offense far more difficult to defend.

After a tough 2024 season dealing with injuries and some contract uncertainty, Samuel will be more motivated than ever to prove he’s still one of the most dangerous playmakers in the NFL. That chip on his shoulder fits perfectly with the Steelers’ mentality. At the end of the day, Deebo Samuel is simply a good football player—and every team can use good football players, regardless of position. If Pittsburgh wants to be an AFC contender, acquiring Samuel would be a step in the right direction. He could be one of the missing pieces to the puzzle.

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