By Ross Jackson
The New Orleans Saints’ offseason is nearing its next phase as training camp approaches in late-July. But before then, the team has a chance to make a potential splash on the open market.
The Saints hosted veteran cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. in May. The takeaway from Samuel’s series of visits with teams was that he had undergone a next procedure earlier in the offseason to help him manage the stinger issue he’d been battling for some time.
He was then said to be due for a medical check in “early July,” after which time he’d potentially be cleared and able to sign with a team ideally in July or August. The process looks to be going well so far as Samuel has been sharing some of his workout videos on social media.
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Now that the July 4 weekend approaches, things could move quickly for Samuel.
He has a chance to reunite with Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley in New Orleans, who drafted the cornerback in 2021 during his head coaching tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers. However, other teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers and more could also be in on the action.
The 5-foot-10 cornerback played Staley’s Star role (a versatile slot corner role) while in Los Angeles, a spot the Saints could be looking for a backup behind starter Alontae Taylor. Samuel also brings valuable boundary corner experience.
Samuel should find an opportunity over the coming weeks to land with another team, assuming he is indeed cleared to play following his medical check. The Saints, if they feel they still need another corner after getting a closer look at the position during OTAs and minicamp, could be a good destination for the vet.
A one-year deal would make a lot of sense. It would provide New Orleans an experienced piece in its secondary while also providing Samuel the chance to hit the market again in 2026 to seek a larger deal.
Over his four seasons, Samuel reeled in six interceptions over 50 game appearances along with 148 tackles with three resulting in a loss.
