Unfortunately, there are medical concerns for top NFL free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. this offseason. According to the breaking news, this is a huge blow for the cornerback, as he will have to wait a little longer to find a new home. Despite his visit with the Arizona Cardinals, Samuel has been dealing with shoulder issues, which could be a reason why no one is signing him. This might be why the Cardinals did not decide to sign him since he would need to pass a physical to be eligible to play for another season, so the waiting game will continue for the cornerback.
Originally selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Florida State product became expendable during his final season in his rookie deal after the Chargers placed him on the season-ending injury list for the same issue. It was already the end for the cornerback as Los Angeles did sign guys like Elijah Molden and Tony Jefferson to return to their secondary unit. The Chargers had too many moving pieces, so it wasn’t like Samuel might have had a spot on the roster, anyway.
If he can stay healthy and once he’s clear, there are at least five teams who may take a chance on him.
Breaking: “Medical Concerns” for Top NFL Free Agent Asante Samuel Jr. – Will Anyone Sign Him?
Possible Next Teams
New Orleans Saints
Last season, the New Orleans Saints had one of the worst pass defenses, which was why the team traded Marshon Lattimore to the Washington Commanders. However, the team’s secondary has been going through a hit as they lost Paulson Adebo this offseason, so they need a capable cornerback, and they could find that in Samuel once he’s healthy. The Saints need just anyone to fill that hole alongside since they will heavily depend on Kool-Aid McKinstry to step up hugely, despite them signing Justin Reid to salvage the safety unit.
Baltimore Ravens
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens could look to add a cornerback in this year’s draft. Veteran Marlon Humphrey could become expendable as last year’s pick Nate Wiggins has a lot of bright spots. If they’re heading into a rebuild phase, they could sign Samuel in a temporary rotational role like they did signing Chidobe Awuzie after letting Brandon Stephens hit the market.
Dallas Cowboys
For the Cowboys, the team is likely testing the waters to see how they can fare without Trevon Diggs, who may miss some of the first regular season games due to surgery recovery. Kaiir Elam has some type of upside, but it’s not on the level of Jourdan Lewis, who was let go in the market. The secondary will look dramatically different, and if they’re desperate, they should sign Samuel on a temporary deal to see how he fits in this system.
Washington Commanders
Marshon Lattimore is returning, but the Commanders will have to be careful about his antics on the field, which was an issue this past 2024 campaign. If he can behave, Jonathan Jones could have a potential one-year season with the Commanders. After losing Benjamin St-Juste, Commanders could sign Samuel as a capable replacement once healthy.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs don’t necessarily need a new cornerback since they signed Kristian Fulton, but it could be safer that they take that route. Nazeeh Johnson has been anything but explosive in the pass secondary game, so perhaps Samuel and Fulton could reunite in Kansas City. This would allow the Chiefs to have two cornerbacks with the chemistry to help Trent McDuffie.
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