NFL Insider Links Eagles To Free Agent Defensive Playmaker

Cornerback is one of the highly anticipated position battles for the Eagles this summer, with Kelee Ringo and veteran Adoree’ Jackson vying for the CB2 spot opposite Quinyon Mitchell.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Philadelphia may be adding another name to the mix. During a recent radio appearance on 97.5 The Fanatic, Fowler stated that the Eagles have free agent CB Asante Samuel Jr. ‘on their radar.’

“Asante Samuel Jr., who is coming back from a neck injury, was one of the top free-agent corners,” Fowler said. “He probably won’t sign until late July. I do know the Eagles have thought about that one, and that’s on their radar as well.”

Samuel was a 2021 second-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers and was their top corner before he suffered a shoulder injury last season. Per ESPN’s Kris Rihm, Samuel has been dealing with shoulder issues since his childhood, but doesn’t think it will affect his career long-term.

He was limited to four games last year and reportedly underwent neck surgery in April, which limited his market during free agency.

The 25-year-old isn’t a strong tackler but has elite coverage skills when healthy, recording 35 pass breakups and six interceptions across his first three seasons.

His most notable performance came in an AFC Wild Card Game against the Jaguars, where he picked off Trevor Lawrence three times in the first half.

The Eagles are no strangers to Samuel’s legacy. His father, Asante Samuel Sr., spent four years in Philadelphia from 2008 to 2011, earning three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro nod. His nine interceptions in 2009 were tied for the most in the league with Jairus Byrd, Darren Sharper, and Charles Woodson.

If Samuel Jr. gets a clean bill of health following his July checkup, several teams are likely to show interest as they finalize their training camp rosters. There aren’t many better landing spots than the Eagles, who are known for taking on reclamation projects and rebuilding their value.

Mekhi Becton just signed a $10 million contract after thriving at right guard for Philadelphia. Isaiah Rodgers joined the Eagles while serving a gambling suspension and became a key contributor on their path to winning the championship. Samuel Jr. could be the next redemption story.

As it currently stands, the Eagles have Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, Adoree Jackson, Eli Ricks, Mac McWilliams, and Parry Nickerson on their roster at cornerback. Adding another talented name at a low cost is right up Howie Roseman’s alley.

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