If there's one thing the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears have in common, it's a major issue at cornerback.
The Bears have been hit hard by injuries at the position, and especially in the wake of the injury to starting cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who is out indefinitely, leaving a lackluster starting duo of Tyrique Stevenson and Nahshon Wright.
The Steelers' issue simply stems from poor play. Joey Porter Jr. Hasn't taken the step forward Pittsburgh hoped, Darius Slay's best days are clearly behind him and Jalen Rams ey is now playing safety after DeShon Elliott's knee injury.
In what is a rare situation at this stage of the season, there is an impact cornerback out there in free agency right now, and that impact cornerback is former Los Angeles Chargers defender Asante Samuel Jr.
Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox believes the Steelers and Bears are the best fits for the former second-round pick.
He underwent spinal-fusion surgery in April. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, he has been cleared to play and has already scheduled visits with the Panthers, Vikings, 49ers, Bears, Steelers and Green Bay Packers.
Any of those teams could use Samuel's assistance, though the Steelers and Bears might be the most desperate for secondary help.
Best Fits: Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers
The only reason Samuel is available right now is because he had spinal-fusion surgery earlier this year and was just now cleared to return to action.
Samuel has proven to be a quality starter over his four seasons and 47 career starts in the NFL thanks to a completion rate allowed of 59.5% and a passer rating when targeted of 92.3.
Samuel also just turned 26, and while he will only garner a one-year deal with the team he signs with now, he could be a long-term solution if he warrants an extension down the road.
Samuel has spent this week meeting with several teams, so the competition is going to be fierce. However, among those teams are the Bears and Steelers, so there is a realistic possibility he ends up with one of the two squads.
Samuel has also met with the Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers, per reports.
Being able to add a true difference-maker at any position in free agency at this late stage is extremely rare, but Samuel breaks the mold. This is a golden opportunity Pittsburgh and Chicago can't pass on.
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