Teams Concerned About Asante Samuel Jr.'s Medicals
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo said that concerns about cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.'s (neck, shoulder) medicals have really put a damper on his free-agent market this offseason. Garafolo believes that Samuel would have already signed by now if there weren't concerns about injuries that limited him to a career-low four games played in 2024 with the Los Angeles Chargers. The 25-year-old did take a visit to the Arizona Cardinals this offseason, but he remains on the open market with the NFL draft right around the corner. The former second-round pick (47th overall) in 2021 by the Chargers out of Florida State is still young and has plenty of ability when healthy, so he should eventually land with a team once he's recovered from his injuries. In his first three years with the Bolts, Samuel had 163 tackles (137 solo), six interceptions, 35 pass breakups and a fumble recovery in 46 games (43 starts).
Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Asante Samuel Jr. (head) exited Sunday Night Football versus the Steelers early with an injury. The 22-year-old sustained a head injury during the second half and will not return to the contest. It's likely that Samuel will go into the league's concussion protocol entering next week, and he'll have to get back on the practice field if he hopes to get cleared in time for a Week 12 date against the division-rival Denver Broncos.
NFL Network's Brian Baldinger praised Florida State cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. on Monday and could see Samuel being selected in the first round of this Thursday's NFL draft. "I mean, it's a cornerback-driven league as much as it's a quarterback-driven league. I think five could go and I think Asante Samuel is going to be one of those five. Asante isn't one of those 6-foot-plus corners, but he does everything else well. And, unlike his dad, he tackles well." He has the NFL bloodlines, but while he may lack size, Samuel Jr. can change direction quickly and is smooth in his movements. Because taller wideouts may get the best of him at the next level, Samuel might be better as a zone cornerback, which makes his team fit more important.
