Falcons trade for cornerback Asante Samuel
Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel runs with the ball after intercepting a pass during a game against the Falcons last season. Associated Press.
FLOWERY BRANCH — For Asante Samuel, it was a simple business matter.
Once his agent, Alonzo Shavers, and Falcons negotiator Nick Polk finished their numbers crunching, the Falcons traded a seventh-round pick in this year’s draft to the Philadelphia Eagles to complete the deal for the four-time Pro Bowler on Wednesday.
“I’m happy to be a Falcon,” said Samuel, who’ll be expected to help improve the team’s pass defense. “I know the city is embracing me. I’m excited. I know the Falcons already have an excellent team, excellent coaches, schemes and talent. I’m just going to add to [that and] try to get to the one common goal.”
The Falcons re-structured Samuel’s contract that called for him to make $9.9 million in 2012 and $11.4 million in 2013. They agreed to a three-year, $18.5 million deal.
“What was important for us was that he become a Falcon,” Shavers said. “From that standpoint, it was about as extensive as it gets. We were able to come up with something that they can live with and we can live with.”
Samuel said he doesn’t have a preference as to whether he plays left or right cornerback.
“I’m a confident guy,” Samuel said. “I’m going to always have confidence, and that’s how I play and how I operate on a daily basis. I’m going to come into this thing and be ready to compete.”
Over the past two seasons, Brent Grimes has played on the left side and Dunta Robinson has started on the right. The Falcons have struggled at nickel back as Brian Williams, Christopher Owens, Dominique Franks and Kelvin Hayden all played that spot over the past two seasons.
Falcons coach Mike Smith considers the nickel back to be a starter.
The Falcons have a lot of their salary cap tied up at cornerback, with Samuel and Robinson averaging $6 million apiece. On Tuesday, Grimes, signed his one-year, $10.281 million franchise tender.
Samuel believes the trio will work together just fine.
“I think it’s going to be good,” Samuel said. “Those guys are very talented and well-established. Brent Grimes is coming off the last two years. He’s adjusted and is making some big plays. Dunta has been doing his thing since he’s been there. … We are all going to come in and work together to make this thing the best that it’s ever been.”
Samuel, 31, was with the Patriots when Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff was the director of college scouting there. Dimitroff coveted Samuel last season, but the Eagles’ asking price — a second-round pick — was considered too steep at the time.
He was drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round (120th overall) of the 2003 draft out of Central Florida.
“We talked every time that we played each other,” Samuel said of Dimitroff. “That definitely had a lot to do with it. He definitely made me feel comfortable.”
Dimitroff was elated to pull of the trade. “Asante has established himself as a very productive player during his career,” Dimitroff said. “He is a proven player in this league, and we feel that this move upgrades the talent of our roster.”
Samuel’s days in Philadelphia were numbered after they signed Nnamdi Asomugha and acquired Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in July. The Eagles had tried to trade him since.
Samuel didn’t endear himself to management when he said the Eagles were “playing fantasy football with the owner’s money.”
However, Samuel said he enjoyed his time with the Eagles and had no hard feelings toward the organization.
“I know everybody can’t figure why this is happening and why it is going this way, but business is business,” Samuel said.
Samuel has 45 career interceptions in nine seasons, fourth among active players. His 38 interceptions since 2006 lead the league.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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317 comments Add your comment
mountain_jim
April 25th, 2012
1:56 pm
still waiting to find out the pick(s) traded – some say 5th, some say 6th.
Seattle Falcons Fan
April 25th, 2012
1:56 pm
Everyone who is trashing Daunta remember how hard he hits. He’ll be a perfect nickle safety/corner that Nolan likes to use!
Devil's Advocate
April 25th, 2012
1:59 pm
What are we going to do about the OL we throw under the bus as being the reason the Falcons cannot score in the playoffs? The same OL that allows Ryan and White to put up big regular season numbers. Most of the same OL who helped the Falcons be one of the most successful running teams since Turner has been here? Are we going to hear about the OL for the next year being the scapegoat now?
crackbaby
April 25th, 2012
1:59 pm
So why did Belichik get rid of Samuel a couple years ago?
This is a good move for Falcons, but the question remains, why didn’t NE keep him?
John H.
April 25th, 2012
2:00 pm
Good Pick. If he can stay healthy. He has been getting tired toward the end of seasons lately.
Ackshun
April 25th, 2012
2:01 pm
Grimes at free safety Robinson on Left Corner Samuel on Right – superbowl!
Big Crimson 75
April 25th, 2012
2:03 pm
F New England.
Belichik is more than capable of making mistakes.
Did you see the Pats Pass Defense last yr?
creative
April 25th, 2012
2:06 pm
I hope this doesn’t end up to be another big play ray. I loved big play when he first got here but then he turned 31 and started not being that great. I hope this works out
ATLSWAG
April 25th, 2012
2:06 pm
OOOOOO YEA ITS GOING DOWN THIS SEASON WE GETTING WHAT WE DESERVE, THAT RNG LETS GO AFTER IT, WE NOT PLAYING AROUND THIS SEASON LETS DO IT BIG!!!!!! >=I
kingdaddy
April 25th, 2012
2:08 pm
One trade just transformed the Falcons D….Now, fix the O.L. and watch Nolan put pressure on their Offense with L.B. blitz schemes to help our D.L….One trade… I’m shocked and happy…
Elijah Snow
April 25th, 2012
2:08 pm
The most interesting part of this article is the fact that the Falcons already think of the nickel as their base defense, a point that addresses arguments that have been made by other comments regarding the pending acquisition of Samuel. Props to DOL for that, even though he thinks I’m a hater.
If the Falcons can get their contracts worked out (including Grimes) so that this doesn’t destroy our cap numbers, it will be a great move — exactly the sort of thing the Falcons needed to do in the offseason. I think it is exactly this sort of move that underlines how crazy it was for so many people to work so hard to justify the quiet offseason by the Falcons. Every argument that is made from here on in about what a great move the Samuel acquisition is and how much we needed it is, functionally, an argument that we weren’t doing a very good job of making the team better before this move.
In the future, maybe we should be asking harder questions about what the Falcons ought to do or maybe even what they are secretly planning to do, rather than spending time convincing ourselves that doing nothing is a great strategy.
SeenThisBFalcon
April 25th, 2012
2:08 pm
ITS OVA BABY…TIME TO RISE UP!!!!!!!
Chub Rock
April 25th, 2012
2:09 pm
Belichik also let Richard Seymour go and he has gone to the Pro Bowl for the Raiders LOL. Belicik also drafted Brandon Merriweather in the 1st RD and cut him and Darius Butler in the 2nd RD and cut him. FYI Bill Belichik makes mistakes too.
Hamp
April 25th, 2012
2:10 pm
For you ppl calling for a DE or for Pass rush where the hell is it gonna come from, out of the sky where is there an available proven pass rusher available. How many supposed great pass rushers have panned out in the recent past. Wow! the next best thing is get a corner because this is a passing league. If I am not mistaken the nickle spot is what is killing us on third down. Now that wont be so if it is grimes or samules who goes to the nickle we are better. Pass rush doesnt come in a can and there are not any teams letting proven pass rushers go if so it costs the entire bank which we dont have. chill out and look at things from all angles. This is the second best thing to do if a pass rusher is not available!
kingdaddy
April 25th, 2012
2:10 pm
Who did we have to dump to get him???
Sid
April 25th, 2012
2:11 pm
Great move Birds!
Ouch, ya know some aints fans are cringing.
zorro
April 25th, 2012
2:13 pm
We need a space eater bad that will keep their OL off of our linebackers. And please someone teach Matt Ryan how to slide in the pocket to extended the play. And not throw the ball out of bound. What other QB’s with time in the league does this as much as our QB.
Reality
April 25th, 2012
2:13 pm
Wonderful, now that just means the Falcons will get bounced in the second round.
Sincerely,
Reality…
Mickey Loomis
April 25th, 2012
2:15 pm
I overheard the Falcons got a Pro Bowl CB, Drew Brees will not sleep very well tonight.
Big Crimson 75
April 25th, 2012
2:15 pm
We will be the Team this yr every-one expected to see last yr.
Julio will RIP the League up this Season — Bank on it!!!
The Falconator
April 25th, 2012
2:16 pm
Can you say 11 and 5 and division winners now. We will be ready for the playoffs or bust!!!
Real Falcon Fanatic
April 25th, 2012
2:17 pm
Take the best available Offensive Lineman available on Friday night!
kingdaddy
April 25th, 2012
2:17 pm
T.D.
I take back everything I said about you! I know nothing about football and you are the bomb-daddy…One stinking trade, just made a HUGE difference.MERRY CHRISTMAS Coach Nolan!!!
Big Crimson 75
April 25th, 2012
2:18 pm
King — if someone has to get clipped to make room for Samuel — I’m thinking Ovie or Babs.
We won’t get much cap relief cutting the busts — Jerry & Baker.
mark
April 25th, 2012
2:18 pm
great bold move! about time to make some upgrades! i see robinson on the nickel and a mix of zone and man coverage, asante gives nolan a great bunch of options in the defensive side of the ball, i bet this is the missing link!
The Falcon Project
April 25th, 2012
2:20 pm
http://thefalconproject.wordpress.com/2012/04/25/falcons-trade-for-cornerback-asante-samuel/
Big Crimson 75
April 25th, 2012
2:20 pm
Asante was the best CB on the Eagles.
Better that DRC & how-ever you spell his name!!!
Matt
April 25th, 2012
2:21 pm
Fantastic! For a late round pick and affordable sum of money. This is a perfect deal if stays healthy and contributes. Our secondary went from pathetic to pretty darn good with one deal. With a head bussa like Robinson, he gives you some options on where he can play… some nickel, some X slot coverage, some safety. Fantastic move Demitroff!!
kingdaddy
April 25th, 2012
2:21 pm
Reality
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA…Little baby need a Binky???
Sid
April 25th, 2012
2:22 pm
Falcons gave up a 6th round draft pick……………….not bad…..!!!
Billy
April 25th, 2012
2:23 pm
Good job, Falcons! Welcome Asante!
kingdaddy
April 25th, 2012
2:25 pm
BC75
I really like both those young men. The good thing is they have pleanty of time to find another team as long as its not the Ain’ts.lol…
VW
April 25th, 2012
2:25 pm
Great Job TD!
zorro
April 25th, 2012
2:27 pm
abc news just announcedPHILADELPHIA – April 25, 2012 (WPVI) — Action News has learned that the Philadelphia Eagles have traded Pro-Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel to the Atlanta Falcons.
kingdaddy
April 25th, 2012
2:27 pm
Plenty of time
chipper stones
April 25th, 2012
2:29 pm
Samuel brings so much to this team! He had to have at least 6 or 7 int’s last year (never mind actually 3) he is tall so he can actually handle the taller receivers that kill us (never mind 5-10) is a great tackler (never mind, considered one of the worst tackling CB’s in the league) he is young so he is on the upswing (never mind 31) ummm, so why did we do this?
kingdaddy
April 25th, 2012
2:30 pm
D.Led.
It’s fun to give good news, isn’t it???
ROD
April 25th, 2012
2:30 pm
YES, YES, YES. THIS IS WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT. We need to shore up that safety position, and add some offensive lines, and another WR. I think this is great. This will allow ABE and others to really put pressure on the QB. I’m looking forward to this season. I think something big my happen this year for the Dirty Birds. OOps, I forgot, I still do not trust our QB. Let me calm down, and wait to see if he has improved this year. But I like this deal. GREAT JOB TD!!!!!!!
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:30 pm
hmm, this moves makes no sense to me..can someone explain why this is a good pick up? He is not a shutdown CB, he gambles alot we need someone to pressure Brees not play mind games with him.
Broken Wing
April 25th, 2012
2:31 pm
I just hope we didn’t give away too much with the pick, (as we have before!)
A fifth or sixth is great but if we go higher it could be bad news. Wish this could have happened before the Grimes deal!
BamaGuy
April 25th, 2012
2:33 pm
TD pulled this one out at the right time…Can’t say enough about how are Execs are going after that trophy…This will allow us big time flexibility in our schemes and we will get pressure because the passing windows will not be open as quick as they were…This is a win all the way around as there wasn’t anyone that we could have drafted with that late pick that would have come in and made the impact that Samuels will..Nolan has to fired up with all his options
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:33 pm
why are you guys go happy?
Pick Six 22
April 25th, 2012
2:34 pm
all yall who thinkin im too old troy polamalu is 31 too…eagles just COULDNT AFFORD ME nothing to do with my play. using age as an excuse for having to let me go
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:35 pm
Bamaguy, what the hell are you talkinga bout. Asante is a gambling CB, he is small, can’t tackle and lack top end speed. So how will the windows close. He gambles way too much and can’t play press or bump coverage. So how will he close those windows…….
The Samuel trade: Another validation of Falcons management | Mark Bradley
April 25th, 2012
2:36 pm
[...] which had gone from 11-5 to a fairly gutty 9-7 to 13-3.) They kept those eight free agents, and now they’ve traded for cornerback Asante Samuel, once a Pro Bowler and still spry enough to bolster the [...]
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:37 pm
Picksix
Troy Polamalu is a different player and position. They are totally different players
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:38 pm
Should of went after a quality DL player
Big Crimson 75
April 25th, 2012
2:38 pm
justlooking —- go eavesdrop on the Saints & get back to us in a couple yrs.
DA Voice
April 25th, 2012
2:39 pm
6th Round Pick
Section242
April 25th, 2012
2:39 pm
It is time to cut Grimes to open up some cap space. Samual is only 2 years older than Grimes. There will be other cap casualties that we can sign