Could Falcons work a deal for Asante Samuel?
Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel would be nice addition to Falcons defense. (AP photo)
The Falcons’ signing of defensive end Ray Edwards last week should improve a defense that too often has come up short in two areas: pass rush and pass coverage. The question now is whether they can improve coverage, and that’s why I’m bringing up this name: Asante Samuel.
Several fans have emailed me (and Barrister Ledbetter) to ask about Asante. Here’s what I can tell you: The Falcons would love him but I just don’t know that a deal is feasible.
Asante is 30, but he has gone to the Pro Bowl the last four years. He’s also available. Philadelphia’s signing of free agent Nnamdi Asomugha and acquisition of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie leaves Samuel expendable. The Eagles are hoping to trade him.
The cornerback job on the opposite side of Dunta Robinson currently is manned by restricted free agent Brent Grimes, who has yet to sign his contract tender (and isn’t at Samuel’s level anyway). It’s also worth noting that Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff was in New England when Samuel was drafted in 2003.
Here’s the problem: Even if the Falcons trimmed salary elsewhere on the roster and somehow found a way to fit Samuel under the cap — his contract pays $8.4 million this season and $10.4 million next year — they don’t have anything to trade. Their 2012 first- and fourth-round picks next season went to Cleveland in the Julio Jones trade. If they traded their second- and/or third-rounder, they wouldn’t have a draft left.
Therefore the only realistic hope of the Falcons getting Samuel would be if Philadelphia was unable to spin a trade and simply released him for salary cap relief. That isn’t likely to happen. Then again, NFL general managers value their draft picks and only a few teams will be in the market to take on Samuel’s salary.
But if he is released, don’t be surprised if the Falcons swoop in.
By Jeff Schultz
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109 comments Add your comment
Keeping it Real
August 2nd, 2011
5:40 pm
Jeff: Why would you want to get into it with Grimes wife. You asked if she realized that what she was doing was alienating Brent with the Falcons fans, but the question is why would you want alienate one of our best players and one who we need to get back to the playoffs. Bye, bye home down discount. Thanks, Jeff -:(
Jaybutter
August 2nd, 2011
5:50 pm
jerry u are dumb!!!!!!!!!!they need to resign grimes to a three year deal to abour 9million that’s 3 a year with bonus according to his play and then sign some corner that is in free agency like the saints did with fabian washington and get someone cheap and allow franks and owens to develop into the player they assumed they would eventually become and go get osi………
slydog
August 2nd, 2011
6:29 pm
How many stacked teams, before the season started, have went on to win championships? Not that many. Why? Too much arrogance and not enough chemistry. The Falcons have neither.
rm
August 2nd, 2011
6:31 pm
Someone please tell me how the heck can the eagles can keep signing all of these players and stay under the cap. Something doesn’t seem right with this picture…
Cornerback Smurf
August 2nd, 2011
6:34 pm
Grimes is a smurf and the Falcons need to get bigger at the position. Playing above your means all game every game is alot to ask for a CB. Sign and trade Grimes while his stock is high. He is not a long-term solution for the Falcons or else he would’ve been signed already. The TD is smart for waiting to see if anyone else bites on Grimes but I’m afraid he’s gonna be forced to sign him just to have a CB in place.
But I guarantee EVERYONE, CB will be a high position of priority between now and the start of next season (incl the draft).
jeff
August 2nd, 2011
6:51 pm
cant let grimes get away…or snelling
JMF
August 2nd, 2011
7:53 pm
Give me some info on camp. How are the rookies looking. Who is going to be playing in the slot. Has Douglas regained his speed. What is happening with Sid and Bierman, etc. C’mon this is not a real article. Did you hear Calvin Johnson wants to come home and the Lions are tired of him. yeah
Martin G. Allende
August 2nd, 2011
8:26 pm
Any thoughts on Carlos Rogers of the Redskins?
RickyC
August 4th, 2011
9:16 pm
Some people don’t know how to rate football players. You can’t go strictly on stats. And if you do, Samuel only has him beat on interceptions, but Samuel is a chance taker and gives a lot more up. Ask yourself why the Eagles picked up BOTH Nnamdi and DRC. Grimes is younger, quicker, and has better man-to-man covering skills than Samuel. That’s my opinion as I have played the position.