The Buffalo Bills are being mentioned as a possible landing spot for veteran cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. as they head into a season loaded with pressure.
For Buffalo, the 2026 campaign has the feel of a do-or-die year. After changing head coaches, the Bills are trying to show they can finally push through and reach the Super Bowl. They’ve had plenty of success in recent seasons, but the playoff breakthrough still hasn’t come.
The front office has already added depth across both sides of the ball, bringing in playmakers and trying to strengthen the roster around the edges. Even so, the defense could still use another boost, especially in the secondary.
That’s where Samuel comes into the picture. NFL analyst Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report pointed to the former second-round pick as a possible fit for Buffalo.
Samuel is now with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year deal, and his name could come up again as the season moves along, whether at the trade deadline or sooner. Pittsburgh has multiple bodies in its secondary, which could make Samuel available if the right opportunity comes along.
There’s reason for interest, too. Before 2025, Samuel had posted at least two interceptions and 43-plus tackles in every season of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers. Injuries have slowed him recently, though, and he’s appeared in just 10 games over the past two seasons.
Last year with Pittsburgh, Samuel played in six games and finished with one interception, 10 total tackles, and one pass deflection.
Buffalo may want to watch how he looks before making any move. The Bills can also give their current defensive backs a chance to prove themselves. But with the season framed as Super Bowl or bust, adding experienced depth could end up mattering a lot.
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