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NFL Writer
No it’s not what you think. Asante Samuel wanted out and he got his wish today. My hometown Philadelphia Eagles traded the best cornerback they had today. The Eagles traded their four-time pro-bowler for a seventh round draft pick.
Samuel’s is happy but I would be insulted. Your former team wanted only a seventh round pick for you. Your new team made you a take a pay cut and placed you in another similar three cornerback rotation with no clear-cut starter now at either cornerback spot. Asante must have really wanted out of Philadelphia.
Samuel will now be apart of another triumvirate of corners along side Brent Grimes and Dunta Robinson. Now I understand in today’s NFL three solid cornerbacks is a necessity. It is possible in that high-powered NFC South that includes quarterbacks Drew Brees, Cam Newton, and Josh Freeman that all three players would have to play together at least 75% of the defensive downs.
The question will be which cornerback will hold down that deadly slot position. You know that position where Victor Cruz and Wes Welker make all that top dollar.
I know for a fact Asante Samuel’s performs better in a zone-man scheme that allows him to make plays and react on the ball. That defensive set up allows Samuels to use his feet, instinct, and ball skills to make plays and make his money. Asante is at risk in press coverage and becoming that slot player would totally hinder his game.
Brent Grimes just signed his one year $10.281 million dollar franchise tender. Samuel’s just restructured his contract for three-years $18.5 million dollars as well. That would essentially ensure that the three top cornerbacks for the Atlanta Falcons combine to count $22 million in salary cap space alone. It would be interesting to see if the Falcons keep all three players together. I personally would keep all three. In a pass happy NFL and constant injuries three solid corners can’t be undervalued in this new NFL. I would expect the three to be pro’s, play hard when asked, and buy into being one of the better secondaries in the NFC.
Asante Samuel’s is a flat-out ball hawk amassing 45 interceptions and 5 touchdowns for returns in nine NFL seasons. Grimes and Robinson are both solid and with Samuel’s should drastically improve the Falcons secondary if all three players stay together.
