Saints eyeing Asante Samuel Jr.? A look at the talented corner's potential fit, the lingering questions, and what truly makes him a target.
The New Orleans Saints are tied to another big-name defensive back this offseason. Pittsburgh Steelers player Asante Samuel Jr. is a potential target for the team.
Bob Rose of Saints Wire is talking about it. He thinks the move may not make as much sense as some would believe. Rose wrote the following.
"Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. is once again being mentioned for the New Orleans Saints as a potential free agent destination. This past week, Mason Campbell of Pro Football Focus named the Saints as a fit for the Saints when free agency starts in March. The combination makes some sense, but only on the surface.
Samuel is the son of former standout cornerback Asante Samuel, a four-time Pro Bowler with the Patriots and Eagles from 2003 through 2013. Asante junior forged his own path as a two-time All-ACC selection with the Florida State Seminoles, leading to being a second-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2021 NFL draft. Head coach of the Chargers at the time was Brandon Staley, the current defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints. Staley was Samuel's coach for three of his first four NFL seasons. Over that span, Samuel had 9 interceptions with 41 passes broken up and allowed 59% completion rate when targeted."
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) makes a touchdown catch against Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (22) during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesYou were not alone if your first thought was, "Asante Samuel is still playing?" We are not that far removed from Samuel Jr.'s father starring for the New England Patriots in the secondary. But the younger Samuel is carving out a name for himself in the league in his own right.
In five seasons, to have put up nine interceptions and 41 broken up passes is a strong feat. It's indicative of a player who belongs in the National Football League. The only questions are what impact he brings, if he fits with the Saints and how much it would cost to bring him to New Orleans. All three are big questions.
It makes sense that Samuel Jr. could be a coveted player in free agency. He brings a skill set and track record of production that says he's capable of positive contributions to his next team. The question is whether or not the Saints value him over other positions of need and qualified cornerback candidates.
Regardless of where Samuel goes, the Saints will make an effort to move out of the basement of the NFC South next season. They will look to do so with a strong free agency and NFL draft.