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
gman
April 25th, 2012
5:17 pm
I have obviously missed an interesting thread somewhere. Could someone fill me in on the Mika story and how we might have been boned?
Asante Samuel dealt to Falcons – ESPN | Amazing News
April 25th, 2012
5:18 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
Asante Samuel dealt to Falcons – ESPN | News Room
April 25th, 2012
5:20 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
Joe Tess Fish House
April 25th, 2012
5:37 pm
BamaGuy,
I am an astute observer of the proverbial gridiron and resent your ignominious insult. Your reprehensible attack on my intents, character and abilities calls upon me to question your integrity and sincerity.
Joe
Joe Tess Fish House
April 25th, 2012
5:43 pm
Meaningful discussion regarding the essential elements of athletic pursuits can be diluted by personal attacks towards the participants by certain individuals such as BamaGuy.
Gwinnett Fred
April 25th, 2012
5:48 pm
7th round pick #229 overall.
Hopefully this salary dump by the other team works out as well as Fred McGriff did for the Braves!
Joe Tess Fish House
April 25th, 2012
5:49 pm
WTF?
duronimo
April 25th, 2012
5:49 pm
Looks like we are going “small” at cornerback again.
Joe Tess Fish House
April 25th, 2012
5:49 pm
W
T
F
?
Samuel
April 25th, 2012
5:53 pm
I think Ashante Samuels will help this team considerably. Ovie might come back if he’s ‘willing to take a pay cut the Falcons can live with. also we need to find a offensive lineman who can consistently protect Matt’s blind side. As good as Matt played last year he has to play better. Now is the time to start playing at an elite level.
torgo
April 25th, 2012
5:53 pm
Still waiting to hear who will go in order to make the cap space. We can’t do it without releasing someone. And we did it, which means we made the cap work somehow.
Probably Ovie, and possibly Sam Baker with him.
Gwinnett Fred
April 25th, 2012
6:07 pm
Since Ovie & Baker both make about $3.5 million, I agree that either or both will either be gone or have to restructure their deals. That’s just too much for a fullback and a often injured backup OL.
Defense wins Titles
April 25th, 2012
7:04 pm
GM TD, Great move. First, l believe you add players that will win a Super Bowl for the Falcons. Check. Second, a Top 5 or close Defense is needed to do so. Check. Keep building a powerful D. Third, Shutdown, ballhawking db’s you never have enough. Check. Hey Coach Nolan keep building a Defensive Dynasty. Shut out Everyone. Offense hang half a hundred on everyone. Thanks TD
thejama
April 25th, 2012
7:10 pm
Falcons draft started a day early,,,nice work DImitroff and Co. With 22+million tied up in 3 DB’s there had better not be any weak links for Brees, Rodgers, Manning, etc. to pick on! Good luck tomorrow, I mean this weekend.
Ed
April 25th, 2012
7:12 pm
Hooray for TD great job bringing in Asante Samuel. Go Falcons!!
Yo Vince
April 25th, 2012
7:13 pm
If you are a REAL fan… you already have your ticket for K C game… if not, shut up and quit hatin punks!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yo Vince
April 25th, 2012
7:18 pm
Joe Tess Fish Smell…. Shut up punk! This site is for fans, not dumb chics.
RUDEDAWG
April 25th, 2012
7:18 pm
Nice move to bring in a real corner,now if we could just get noodle arm,deer in the headlights,Ryan to lift some G@DDANG weights,we’d be alright! LOL Too funny!
Asante Samuel Traded To Falcons | Office Fantasy Sports
April 25th, 2012
7:36 pm
[...] Asante Samuel has agreed to 3-year deal [...]
btwarren
April 25th, 2012
7:39 pm
Love it. If Ray Edwards ican do what we got him for then our defense should be much improved. Focus on OL in the draft and a possible replacement for Michael Turner then we should be golden. Schedule does not look that tough.
Bishop E. L. Long
April 25th, 2012
7:39 pm
Now if only he can stop drew braes and the saints…I’m still concerned as a falcon fan . Rise up
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
April 25th, 2012
7:40 pm
i like the move, certainly didn’t hurt the team. either move dunta to safety or run nickel defense constantly. TD comes through again- let’s see how the draft goes…now we can eliminate a DB with the 2nd/3rd picks.
kooljay
April 25th, 2012
7:47 pm
A top Cornerback for a hella bargin,GO Falcons? Now me need to pickup a 2nd string QB,i’m tired of looking at Chris Redman?
Coach
April 25th, 2012
7:52 pm
Great, this gives us 2 good CB’s. When can we upgrade over Dunta and his waste of salary cap space?
FalcO
April 25th, 2012
8:16 pm
OPTIMUS GRIMES AND ADUNTA SAMUEL!!! Hahahahaa!
Jockich Ahn Smelley, II
April 25th, 2012
8:48 pm
Still won’t solve the Scam they have going at QB! Hey one step at a time….maybe two if Matty Ice can win ONE playoff game this year…..
Falcon James
April 25th, 2012
8:57 pm
Asanta sound too close close to Dunta, so I am not sold. Look like we over paying 3 CB
zorro
April 25th, 2012
9:12 pm
We need a backup QB .One with some NFL experience ( just incase).
Awww yeah!
April 25th, 2012
9:19 pm
Great move! Love it. Been watching 22 for a long time being a Patriots fan also. Samuel is a winner and big addition in many ways. Welcome to Atlanta Asante!!
Cornerback Smurf
April 25th, 2012
9:20 pm
Looks like my days are numbered now that Samuels is coming to town.
frank
April 25th, 2012
9:44 pm
Asante Samuel best days are behind him he’s not the same player like he was in New England.
Glanville
April 25th, 2012
9:46 pm
Sounds like a great trade. He’s a little better than Charles Dimry.
Falcons make annual offseason splash with trade for Asante Samuel | ATL Sports Junkie
April 25th, 2012
10:45 pm
[...] this afternoon, Dimitriff made his annual offseason splash by negotiating a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel. The Falcons were able to steal acquire Samuel by [...]
Keith
April 25th, 2012
10:51 pm
If the secondary covers for a half second longer and the pass rush gets to the quarterback a half second shorter then your pass defense goes from mid 20’s to top ten. It is possible with 3 quality CB’s, a healthy Edwards, Weatherspoon and an attacking D scheme by Nolan. Bend don’t break is infuriating.
Glanville
April 25th, 2012
11:18 pm
We need to bring back the ol’ Gritz Blitz!
EDDY from denver
April 26th, 2012
12:09 am
1.)The addition of a good cb in the nickle package will give more time to the DE 2.)The coaching changes would have happened last year if not for the lock-out 3.)The offense line never came together,but i believe they’re a talented group of thugs..
4.)I also believe Atlanta’s DT & DE are also a good bunch of thugs
5.)The addition of veteran injured previous pro bowl players at OL & LB could be huge
6.)Picking up under valued players off the 53 man roster cut, will happen again
7.)My prediction in the draft best available player in the following positions, WR, QB, RB
EDDY from denver
April 26th, 2012
12:11 am
Very much would like to hear others comments about my opinions!! Especially, anyone in Denver metro area
Fritz
April 26th, 2012
12:40 am
EDDY
Not a bad take. The OL needs to step it up big time in ‘12. Hopefully the new OL coach, Pat Hill, can patch up that problem.
I think they’ll try to draft a couple OL, a RB, a TE and maybe a LB or safety. I think they’d like to find a QB to start developing behind Ryan, but that’s a little more of a luxury item than a need so I think it’ll probably fall behind a few of the other positions I mentioned. I’m not saying they won’t draft a QB, but I think it’d have to be a guy they really like who happens to make sense at a certain pick as opposed to them going out and actively seeking a QB.
wcbryan80
April 26th, 2012
1:36 am
hope he turns out to be a better investment for us than D. Robinson was and still is…would be hard for him not to be!
That being said, welcome to the team Asante…I think this is a great pick-up
FalconFanInVT
April 26th, 2012
3:05 am
YES YES YES!!!
mrzizzle
April 26th, 2012
4:41 am
This signing is another nail in the Saints coffin!
Morning Reads for Thursday, April 26th — Peach Pundit
April 26th, 2012
5:21 am
[...] few that I like… – Braves: 4, Dodgers: 2 – The Falcons picked up Asante Samuel yesterday to bolster their defense. – Deadspin weighs in on the recent ESPN article on use of [...]
YourPoliticalAnimal
April 26th, 2012
6:23 am
Good trade…now wake me when the Bills pick @ #10…ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZz
Newest Falcon
April 26th, 2012
7:36 am
A BIG Atlanta welcome to Assante Samuel. Great talent and very excitng players to watch. Glad he is on our team.
Tell it like it is
April 26th, 2012
8:35 am
Good deal Falcons! Even if it don’t work out,at lease you did something.
rumpdiddy
April 26th, 2012
8:58 am
HEREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE we go again.
Another “Top flight” free agent get’s signed to the Falcons
We as Falcons fans get excited
Said player comes here gets addicted to Atlanta’s nightlife
Player doesn’t practice as hard or watch film cuz he’s too busy partying
Said player becomes a Flop
Repeat cycle!!!
SouthernEagle
April 26th, 2012
9:04 am
Big Play Ray comes back, that’s who Assante reminds me off, he’ll either make a big play or give up one.
Ex Falcon Lover
April 26th, 2012
9:28 am
Is the year 2012 or 2007? Asante Samuel’s best years are behind him… This guy is going to take risks and give up big plays this year. Here goes another Atlanta move when a guy’s prime is over like the Hawks with Stackhouse and McGrady… Atlanta wake up you have to develop your own players and quit trying to sign someoneelse trash. Philadelphia Eagles is a first class organization do you think they are going to wait until a guy just doesn’t have it anymore to put him on the trading block. The Falcons just sign names the DE from last year, 1st rd DT from Ole Miss, Dunta Robinson, and now Asante… This organization is garbage. All that money tied in the secondary and none of these guys can cover Fitzgerald, Megatron, or Greg Jennings one on one. Safety help up top all day for great corners you guys call them… lol These guys can only demand this money in Atlanta no where else… Poor Arthur the demise of the Fall Coons!!! Home Depot money going to waste… SMH See you guys in the endzone with these so call Shut Down Corners… If we played Madden with these guys nobody has a rating above 86 out of a 100 and that’s shutdown Reavis Island is shut down…
Ex Falcon Lover
April 26th, 2012
9:32 am
Falcons pass rush and Asante staring in the backfield = BURN, BURN, BURN
Von
April 26th, 2012
10:36 am
The Saints fans are still here…and will be, even without a head coach. Good pick up with Samuel, but yet again paying too much on secondary players. The question is can he stay healthy the entire year…why do you think the Eagles were trying to trade him for 2 years? If you can get a good healthy young player, like the Saints getting Lofton who’s best years are still ahead of him, then you position your team for long term. But, Asante is a definite upgrade although in my mind a temporary one. Grimes is excellent and still the best corner on that team. You all been trying to Rise Up for the last 20 years. All in all, it begins and ends with the QB, and ya’ll will NEVER rise up with Ryan. He just can’t fly as high as ya’ll need to go!