For whatever reason, maybe its the injuries, many career carries, the weed history, his attitude, his contract demands, their philosophy about paying RBs, franchise tags, or for whatever reason, the Steelers front office and LeVeon Bell sure don't seem to be on the
same page about his future in Pittsburgh. I would estimate the odds to be maybe 50/50 that they sign Bell long-term and ultimately Bell leaves Pittsburgh. So there is a possible RB opportunity in 2019 and beyond.
Assume Samuels' backers get lucky and Bell leaves in 2019, Samuels' primary competition is James Conner and possibly some future highly drafted RB in 2019. By then, it will either be Samuels or Conner leading the way.
In 2017, James Conner had 32 total carries (7.3% of team carries) for 144 yards and 0 TDs and 0 catches in very limited action. 14.4 fantasy points on the entire season and then he suffered a season-ending MCL injury. No matter how you slice it, that is pretty poor production and a single target in the passing game. Earning 7% of team carries, even with Bell as a starter, doesn't seem like the Steeler's organization feels that Conner is destined to carry the Pitt lead RB job. Or even be the backup honestly.
Samuels has significant positives. He has prototypical RB size at 5'11" 225. Ran a 4.54 40 at the combine. A 4.93 three-cone drill at that size is very good to excellent. (Bell was elite at 6.75). His production in college was impressive. Career average of 6.1 per carry on limited carries in a power 5 conference compares to guys like RoJo and Chubb. Samuels has scored a touchdown on 12.2% of his career touches...an incredible stat. (Barkley at 6.5%, RoJo 6.7%). He obviously is a very talented receiver, averaging 65 catches per season his last 3 years with 18 TDs on 195 catches. Julio Jones would be jealous of that TD production.
Pittsburgh immediately listed Samuels at RB after they drafted him. They moved him all over the place at minicamp.
The RB coach loves him and the team had to address other positions before RB due to the Bryant trade and defensive needs.
The Steelers have a luxury, assuming Bell signs the tag and they do not intend to sign him long-term. They can get Bell for a year while using Samuels as the backup to see if he can become the guy. Conner had all of last year to show something and he failed. If Samuels fails, Bell walks and they spend early round draft capital on a running back. But if Samuels, a player with similar size, speed, agility, nose-for-end-zone and receiving skills to LeVeon Bell, can become 80% of what LeVeon has been for 20% of the price, then they can comfortably lose Bell, start Samuels and look to other positions in the 2019 draft. And dynasty owners that had the foresight to spend a 4th round rookie pick on Samuels can yield the reward.