NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

One surprise cut candidate from each NFL team in 2021

By Randy Gurzi

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 01: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass during warmups before playing the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on November 01, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 01: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass during warmups before playing the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on November 01, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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NFL 2021
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 08: Jaylen Samuels #38 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action against Jimmy Moreland #20 of the Washington Football Team on December 8, 2020 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Pittsburgh Steelers: Jaylen Samuels, Fullback/Running Back

When the Pittsburgh Steelers took Jaylen Samuels in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, they knew he was a project player. He was a cross between a fullback and tight end but at 6-foot-0 and 225-pounds, he was built more like a running back.

Pittsburgh struggled to figure out how to use him and he spent time as both a running back and fullback. During his rookie season, he showed some flashes with 256 yards rushing but was really good as a receiver. On 29 targets, he had 26 receptions for 199 yards and three touchdowns.

In year two, he had just 175 yards and a touchdown as a runner but took steps forward as a receiver. Samuels finished with 305 yards on 47 receptions but then 2020 was a different story.

Samuel had just 18 total touches (nine rushes and nine receptions) with only 74 yards from scrimmage. He had no touchdowns and despite James Conner missing time, he hardly saw the ball at all.

With Pittsburgh spending nearly $3 million on a fullback already (no really, they are) in Derek Watt, and using their first-round pick on Najee Harris, there might not be any room left for Samuels in 2021.

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