The Arizona Cardinals hosted the best available defender free agent Asante Samuel Jr. for a visit this week. According to reports, the team is looking into signing Samuel to bolster their secondary unit after spending the last few seasons with the Chargers. Originally selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Florida State product was one of the favorites for former Arizona general manager Steven Keim that year. Samuel has yet to find a home this free agency but after a few potential visits after the Cardinals, he could soon sign with a new team as he didn’t work out with the Chargers.
Last season, he wasn’t able to stay healthy for the entire 2024 campaign after just missing four games with an injury. Samuel has been working as a boundary corner for the team’s secondary but as he’s entering age 26, many could argue he’s in the prime of his career since typically he’s still young. The Chargers signing Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste may signal he would need to sign a contract elsewhere. Even though Samuel made an impact in the 2023 postseason helping the Chargers build a 27-point margin, it wasn’t enough to bring home the win.
While the Cardinals could have other options on the table, there’s still time for Samuel to receive more interest which is why the Ravens, Saints and Cowboys could intervene in the negotiation talks.
REPORT: Cardinals Hosted Asante Samuel Jr. – Ravens, Saints, Cowboys Likely to Intervene
Marcus Williams’ Replacement
The Baltimore Ravens are closer to Super Bowl contention than anyone thinks. Last season, the team wasn’t able to reach at least an AFC Championship but after signing wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, the Ravens could have enough armory to help them lead. Quarterback Lamar Jackson has the arm to get them there but as they lost Zay Flowers last postseason, they had to settle with Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor taking on a bigger role since Diontae Johnson didn’t work out.
Despite that, the secondary was one of the main reasons why the team lost the majority of their matchups. However, John Harbaugh made a critical switch by benching Marcus Williams in favor of Ar’Darius Washington. Williams is gone as expected so that means it’s up to Kyle Hamilton and Washington to have big-time roles. Samuel won’t start but he could be a useful rotational man as a slot safety.
Other Fits
Even with the bare minimum salary cap, the New Orleans Saints found a way to sign Justin Reid this offseason to a three-year deal. After restructuring Tyrann Mathieu’s contract, the team seems to be solid in the safety unit but the cornerback position is bleak. While Samuel is no cornerback, the Saints could use the depth at the position. Mathieu is aging and he’s entering the final year of his contract and Samuel could easily take his spot if he decides to retire after the season.
For the Dallas Cowboys, it’s hard to envision what type of future Donovan Wilson has. He’s a cut candidate this offseason, especially after giving Markquese Bell a three-year deal. Malik Hooker is entering the final year of his deal so they could use someone like Samuel as a temporary starter for the team’s safety unit.
The post REPORT: Cardinals Hosted Best Available Free Agent – Ravens, Saints, Cowboys Likely to Intervene appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.