The Los Angeles Chargers are making depth moves to their roster after signing Tony Jefferson to beef up the secondary unit. According to reports, the team is bringing back on a one-year deal in an interesting move that wasn’t as explosive as other safeties. Jefferson isn’t ready to hang up the cleats anytime soon after coming out of retirement last season appearing in eight games for the team recording 27 total tackles and one tackle for loss. He might not make the roster this year but the Chargers are making it obvious that top NFL free agent Asante Samuel Jr. isn’t returning to the team for the 2025 campaign.
Originally selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Florida State product isn’t the most exciting free agent available but it could be any day that a team could take a chance on him. Samuel had one of the best rookie debuts with the Chargers, recording 33 solo tackles, two interceptions and 11 passes defended looking like a versatile secondary weapon. However, he wasn’t able to stay healthy last season and with a regime under second-year Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers will probably focus on getting younger.
Samuel won’t earn a long-term deal but these five teams could give him a “prove it” contract to see if he can stay healthy and make an impact.
Breaking: Tony Jefferson Signing Could Spell End of Top Free Agent Asante Samuel – 5 Logical Fits
Next Possible Teams
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints don’t really need a safety after beefing up the entire department this offseason. After signing Justin Reid, the team is in good hands with him and Tyrann Mathieu leading the secondary unit. There’s still uncertainty for their depth in the cornerback department since Kool-Aid McKinstry is the only known name on that roster since losing Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo in one season. Samuel might not be a cornerback but he could be a solid depth piece to help Reid and Mathieu.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, even though the Panthers signed Tre’Von Moehrig who gives a lot of promise, they need another safety. Perhaps, Samuel could fill at least one side of the aerial attack in coverage. It won’t be perfect but it’s an upgrade over Nick Scott and Demani Richardson.
Kansas City Chiefs
After the Reid departure, this means safety Jaden Hicks has large shoes to fill for next season. Bryan Cook has his moments but it’s nothing on the level that Reid established in Kansas City. Samuel won’t do much but he could be a rotational piece ahead of Deon Bush and Jason Taylor.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys made one of their first offseason moves by re-signing Markquese Bell which could spell bad news for Donovan Wilson. Since he’s entering the final year of his contract, the Cowboys could give Samuel a second chance since the team loves to give those to athletes more often. The Kenneth Murray Jr. trade is an example of that. Samuel won’t outplay Malik Hooker but he’s a low-budget risk the Cowboys could get something out of him.
Baltimore Ravens
Samuel might not be the ideal replacement for Marcus Wiliams since his release, but the Ravens could benefit from his depth. Baltimore doesn’t have the cap space to sign the best safety since they already have two capable guys in Kyle Hamilton and Ar’Darius Washington. Samuel won’t start but keeping in rotation may even help Marlon Humphrey who is aging.
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