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
NORRIS CHUCK
April 25th, 2012
2:39 pm
A few thoughts on what this all means.
1. The Falcons are adjusting to the new realities of the NFL by going all in at cornerback. The only way to match offenses like the New Orleans Saints is with a deep group of cornerbacks, while sometimes forgoing a true “strong safety” on the field. More and more teams count their third cornerback as a starter. The Falcons are just making it more obvious.
2. Having salary-cap space is overrated. The Falcons were among the teams tightest to the cap in the league, and yet they will figure out a way to make this move. There is always a way.
3. With that said, the Falcons might need to make a corresponding move like cutting fullback Ovie Mughelli to make room. Michael Turner is overpaid at this stage of his career for his effectiveness, but there has been no indication the Falcons could consider cutting him.
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:41 pm
Section42,
Didn’t Grimes just sign his tender? Can he still be cut? That will free up some $$$$$
NORRIS CHUCK
April 25th, 2012
2:43 pm
The Packers just cut Nick Collins, that same guy who returned a INT for a TD in the Superbowl against the Steelers and yep, the same guy who help destroy the Falcons two seasons ago in the first round and last season as well.
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:44 pm
Norris Chuck, I think the best way to stop a passing attack is to have a very strong front 4 that can get pressure. Gaints have proved this with 2 superbowl wins!!! So I dont know where you get this strong secondary thing from. You have nothing to back that up. It is a strong front 4 that does it.
BamaGuy
April 25th, 2012
2:44 pm
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:33 pm
why are you guys go happy?
Well lets see:
1. We solved our ongoing nb spot problem with a pro bowl DB addition regardless where he plays…
2. We solved our 2 year problem of getting off the field on 3rd and long that has been killing us
3. We improved the pass rush simply by covering their receivers better thus giving DE’s and LB’s more time to get there.
4. We gave up a 5 or 6 round pick for a pro bowl caliber DB who is still playing at that level and was the best DB that Philly had…Stats prove it
5. Our D pressure you multiplel ways now that we have DB’s that can actually cover receivers/TE’s!
6. Plus, if things do not work out with Grimes we can let him walk after this year thus freeing up 10 mill in cap
I am Not sure what more one move could of made?…If you are not happy with this move then get back to Madden Football because you just want to be miserable
Pick Six 22
April 25th, 2012
2:45 pm
@just Looking
lemme school your a$$ on the sport of football sir. the reason people are so happy is because of the dreadful play at the nickel position from our hometown falcons. this now frees dunta robinson up to TKO some more players at the nickel or they can try the sidelines on Grimes or Samuel. You are kidding yourself if you dont think that is HUGE. Asante Samuel can man up with the best of them at CB or he wouldnt have 1000 career picks. This is the NFL man guessing wont get you 52..yes 52!! int in 9 years. get out of here with that negativity my man
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:46 pm
Bama,
It would have made more sense to go after Osi. Like I said to Norris. A strong front 4 is what stops a passing QB like Brees. If front 4 can’t get pressure the secondary will be vunerable!!!!!!!
Hamad Meander
April 25th, 2012
2:47 pm
This is HUGE! Several things: Asante can still play! Now we don’t have to waste an early draft pick on an unproven rookie CB. A 5th or 6th round pick isn’t a lot to pay for an immediate impact player. I just want to know what his contract terms are now. I hope we didn’t have to pay more than $6 million a year. No way we traded for him and will keep his current contract.
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:49 pm
Pick Six,
Osi would of been a better move!!!
Pick Six 22
April 25th, 2012
2:49 pm
Just Looking
yeah they could really get osi for 6 mil….dumbass
ghostwriter
April 25th, 2012
2:49 pm
There’s going to be haters no matter what move the team makes. I’m sure some people would be crying here if they found out we got Maurice Jones-Drew and Calvin Johnson for a 6th rounder.
The only thing I’m upset about is the team declining to be on Hard Knocks. Asante is going to help us out a ton. Falcons in 2012, baby!
Pick Six 22
April 25th, 2012
2:50 pm
Justr Looking
yea they could really get osi for 6 mill…..idiot
Hamad Meander
April 25th, 2012
2:50 pm
I would guess that our 2nd and 3rd rounders would definitely be linemen, both offensive and defensive. It doesn’t make sense to go any other direction at this point. This is looking like a very good roster and there are enough playmakers on offense and defense in the skill positions. Let’s shore up the lines and go play ball.
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:52 pm
Picksix,
they could of worked him in some way, some how. Dont give me this BS as the reaons why they didnt get him.
BamaGuy
April 25th, 2012
2:52 pm
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:46 pm
Bama,
It would have made more sense to go after Osi. Like I said to Norris. A strong front 4 is what stops a passing QB like Brees. If front 4 can’t get pressure the secondary will be vunerable!!!!!!!
Problem with that is: Giants want a #1 pick for Osi…I do not see that changing and we do not have a one to give nor would I at Osi’s age….Plus, we would have to give him a ton more money then Samuels in addition to that absurd higher draft pick. Plus, Osi hasn’t been healthy…Not at all
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:54 pm
A strong front 4 is the way to go. Look at the 2 teams in last year NFC title game…strong front 4!!!
JeanE
April 25th, 2012
2:55 pm
Most excellent, this can only help the Falcons and I find it hilarious that Grimes couldn’t get to The Branch fast enough to sign his hated contract after hearing the team was interested in Samuel!!! Who cares if Robinson and Grimes’ ego are dented, competition is good for everyone. TD pulled it off, I’ll give him props for this one.
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:56 pm
Bama, where in the hell did you get Giants wanting a 1rst. No way, no how they can get a 1rst for him. I read somewhere today it is a 3rd
old qb
April 25th, 2012
2:56 pm
Samuel is a very good move. A buddy and season ticket holder keeps yelling our biggest need is our offensive line. We do need to get better there. But what happened to Mike Johnson, our third round pick that was going to be a star in the NFL?
If we can’t get Fleener in the draft pass on TE this year.
You can have all the great secondary in the league and if you don’t have a pass rush you’re going to get clobbered. Abraham can’t do it alone. And everyone trying to protect Ray Edwards when the subject comes up says, “But he’s good against the run”. Hell, Jamaal Anderson was good against the run. What we need is someone else to flatten the QB.
The stats show we suck on third down defense. That’s because we don’t pressure the opposing quarterback. Either get a pass rusher in free agency or move up in the draft and get one. It’s the difference in making the playoffs more than a one and out or moving forward.
Section242
April 25th, 2012
2:57 pm
Just Looking
Tender is a one year non-guaranteed contract. He can be cut
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:58 pm
Section, So can they cut Grimes this year or next year? If they can this year, they should cut him and go after Osi. I will be happy then
hawk
April 25th, 2012
2:59 pm
Just a thought but why not pick up chad lifton who GB released 2 help out on the OF line?
Pick Six 22
April 25th, 2012
2:59 pm
Just Looking
The 49ers strength was undoubetdly their secondary………………idiot
Section242
April 25th, 2012
3:00 pm
He is on a one year contract. They could just not resign him. They way they let Lofton go.
BamaGuy
April 25th, 2012
3:02 pm
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:56 pm
Bama, where in the hell did you get Giants wanting a 1rst. No way, no how they can get a 1rst for him. I read somewhere today it is a 3rd
Last year, Osi got permission to shop himself around the league and his agent said the Giants nixed all deals because they wanted a #1 pick….I don’t see that changing very much….DE’s are high price and Giants were are in no panic
Leeman Bennett
April 25th, 2012
3:02 pm
Come on D Led. If you are going to update an article, you should do more that add to it. Somethings need to be removed. Example: The Falcons made a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel on Wednesday. So this no longer applies: If the Falcons land Samuel they would have a solid trio of cornerbacks.
CFB fan
April 25th, 2012
3:03 pm
Great pickup. Dimitroff is so tight ($$) on his moves and Samuel is a great cover corner. Great pickup for a late rounder. Now, let’s get some OL….
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:03 pm
PickSix,
9ers front 4 was SOLID and when that rookie Aldon Smith came up on the line……….so you are wrong, they had a STRONG front 4 as well.
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:06 pm
Bama, as of today, it is a 3rd rd pick
Tony C.
April 25th, 2012
3:06 pm
Finally, TD does something to fix the secondary that’s been broken since the packers sodomized them in the playoffs….
BamaGuy
April 25th, 2012
3:06 pm
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:56 pm
Bama, where in the hell did you get Giants wanting a 1rst.
Here is where in the Hell I got it: Just Looking
Update
Osi Umenyiora Can No Longer Seek Trade From Giants, According To Report
Whenever a player demands a new contract or to be traded it puts the team in a very difficult position, which is the case with DE Osi Umenyiora and the New York Giants. The team gave him permission to seek a trade setting the price tag at a first round pick. Although Umenyiora’s agent, Tony Agnone, found several suitors, there was apparently no one on board with giving up a first round pick for him.
So now the Giants have rescinded the permission given to Umenyiora to seek a trade, according to the Star-Ledger. He is no longer allowed to seek a trade which means that, for now, he’s a Giant.
The team’s decision to take the trade off the table is a sign they’re looking to nip this distraction in the bud, though it might only serve to further escalate Umenyiora’s anger over his claim the Giants promised to restructure his contract.
Umenyiora signed a seven-year deal in 2005 and is due $7.1 million over the next two years. While he is underpaid, that’s the downside to gaining contract security through a seven-year deal — at some point that contract is out of date.
We’ll see how this ends but the Giants may have an issue on their hands. Check out Big Blue View for the latest on the situation.
Aug 03 1:51p by Joel Thorman – 0 comments
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:06 pm
cut Grimes or Robinson and pick up Osi.
FalconJim
April 25th, 2012
3:07 pm
Great move! This let’s me know we’re serious about being a legitimate SB contender.
Now, shore up the OL, get a big run-stuffer (NT), a monster pass rusher (DE), and a replacement for Tony G., and I can’t see us not going all the way, baby!!!!!!!
SUPER BOWL, HERE WE COME!!!!!!
GO, YOU DIRTY BIRDS!!!!!!!
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:08 pm
Bama, that is a old article. I read somewhere today it was a 3rd rd pick
BamaGuy
April 25th, 2012
3:10 pm
OSI isn’t healthy! Plus, your going to give at least a 3rd, which I bet would really end up being a 2nd, because the Giants do not have to make this move as last year proved…Plus, 6 mill isn’t going to get OSI…Cmon
Pick Six 22
April 25th, 2012
3:12 pm
@Just Looking
front 4 is very important i give you that. thats a GLARING OBVIOUS in football. turning the falcons front 4 into the giants front 4 would never happen with 6 million dollars or a 6th round pick. admit its a good deal and get yourself out of your depression hoss
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:12 pm
Bama, Osi isn’t healhty….yeah ok…neither was RAY EDWARDS BUT this is the difference…..
The defensive end returned for three practices before opting for minor knee surgery. Once he played, Umenyiora had nine sacks in the regular season and another 3.5 sacks in the Giants’ Super Bowl playoff run.
crackertroy
April 25th, 2012
3:12 pm
Bye, bye Dunta
Great Falconi
April 25th, 2012
3:13 pm
Good pickup by Dimitroff. The draft will be pretty thin for us unless we get lucky, but Samuel makes up for some of that.
Nativebird
April 25th, 2012
3:14 pm
for WHAT???? C’mon guys. If your gonna report the deal….REPORT THE DEAL.
Yes, Samuel for……4th round pick? Beautiful. Samuel for say…Matt Ryan? Not so much.
BamaGuy
April 25th, 2012
3:14 pm
The only reason a trade is even possible is that Umenyiora is entering the final year of his contract and he made it clear he’s still looking for a very lucrative, long-term extension. In fact, during an interview on WFAN he seemingly set the bar at four years and $40 million or so.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/osi-umenyiora-thinks-ny-giants-trade-de-a-long-term-extension-article-1.1067202#ixzz1t55pONRt
Pick Six 22
April 25th, 2012
3:16 pm
@bama
you crushed him…its all over
p'cola
April 25th, 2012
3:16 pm
Samuel Jackson,
While agree some talk is rose colored glasses, the saints coaching staff and management have shown they are the least intellegent and classless bunch in the NFL. So go put a paper bag back on your head because once again the saints are the biggest embarresment in the NFL. Even your superbowl win is embarrasing
BamaGuy
April 25th, 2012
3:16 pm
10 mill a year…Still want OSI and remember you have to give up that pick too?
Report: Eagles deal Samuel to Falcons – FOXSports.com | Amazing News
April 25th, 2012
3:16 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:17 pm
Pick Six…even during the 9er vs Saints playoff game..Brees pick the secondary apart when he had time to throw the ball!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:19 pm
Bama, of course he going to scream for money…didnt Abe scream for all this money but in the end..he settled for way less.
Dawg Haus
April 25th, 2012
3:19 pm
Good pickup for the Falcons!
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:22 pm
10 million/yr for guy who had 13 sacks and SHOWS UP IN BIG BIG BIG BIG PLAYOFF GAMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES GET HIM
Pick Six 22
April 25th, 2012
3:22 pm
@Just Looking
absoulutely false. 2 picks at attempts 40 yards down the field….they BAITED HIM HOOK LINE AND SINKER