The NFL regular season is about to get underway this week, but one of the best available free agents, Asante Samuel Jr., is aiming to play during the midseason. According to a report, the top free agent was receiving interest from teams this offseason, but after undergoing neck surgery in April, it put a roadblock to that happening. Originally selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Florida State product will undergo a CT scan next month to ensure that he can play this upcoming 2025 campaign, as doctors will need to see if the cornerback’s spinal cord fusion was successful. A lot can happen in this situation, but the cornerback is looking to get back on the field at last before the playoffs next year.
After a visit with the Saints and Cardinals earlier this offseason, there was mutual interest, and there could be a deal that might happen, as well as with the Miami Dolphins. It’ll be interesting to see where Samuel’s career will head next after serving as a full-time starter and playing out his rookie contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. Samuel isn’t the worst option out there as he’s been consistent for the past three seasons, recording double-digit pass deflections and a pair of interceptions. Despite that, the cornerback only made four appearances last season, which is why the Chargers didn’t bring him back for another contract, and time can only tell when Samuel will be ready.
Top NFL Free Agent Asante Samuel Jr. Aiming to Play Midseason – 3 Suitors Emerge
Possible Destinations
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints need an upgrade in their secondary in the worst way possible. After losing Paulson Adebo and Marshon Lattimore in one season, the Saints need to hit the reset button for their pass secondary despite signing Justin Reid and Julian Blackmon. The Saints might not be contenders this year, but it doesn’t mean they can’t make an upgrade in their secondary unit. Asante Samuel Jr. might not be the final solution for what the Saints are looking for, but given their cap space, he’s what they could use.
Between Alontae Taylor and Paulson Adebo, there is room for improvement. Samuel could easily be positioned in the best spot possible since it’s likely the Saints could give him a legitimate starting chance.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers have upgraded their pass secondary, signing standout safety Tre’Von Moehrig. The team is also not a contender, but it’s another opportunity for Samuel to grow and possibly change this secondary around. He won’t take over the starting jobs for Michael Jackson and Jaycee Horn, especially after the Panthers gave them contract extensions. However, the more talent the Panthers have in their depth chart, the better it will be for this unit.
Dallas Cowboys
Despite extending DaRon Bland, the Cowboys still have question marks in their secondary room. They traded for Kaiir Elam this offseason to provide relief in the background, as well as signing Robert Rochell. Trevon Diggs is showing signs of improvement, but it’s still his starting spot up for grabs. Samuel could join Dallas midseason if they’re in dire need of a cornerback and want to upgrade this unit temporarily.
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