Former Steelers RB Jaylen Samuels has struggled to find his place on a roster since leaving the Steel City in 2021 — but all of that may soon change, as he is set to start his comeback bid with the CFL’s Ottawa Redblacks.
He could play a significant role in Ottawa, as the Canadian Football League announced Thursday that Redblacks RB Devonte Williams had retired following a torn Achilles sustained during the 2024 offseason.
Samuels showed flashes of brilliance during his rookie season with the Steelers, producing 223 rushing yards and 105 receiving yards over three starts in 2018 — including a 172-yard performance against the Patriots.
Ultimately, Samuels wouldn’t see many starting opportunities moving forward — and the arrivals of Benny Snell, Anthony McFarland, and Najee Harris from 2019 to 2021 forced the Steelers to cut ties.
The former Steelers RB would sign with the Texans’ practice squad soon after, playing in three games for Houston, before ultimately signing a future/reserve contract with the Cardinals in 2022. He was subsequently released just a few months later and attempted a football comeback outside the NFL — with the XFL’s Houston Gamblers and the UFL’s San Antonio Brahmas.
Here’s to hoping Samuels shocks the CFL world — and potentially kickstarts another opportunity in the NFL.
