Bleacher Report's Matt Holder decided to play matchmaker and connect the top defensive free agents with three teams who could use their services. For Asante Samuel Jr., Holder says the New Orleans Saints would be one of Samuel's best landing spots.
Additionally, Holder shed light on why each player remains available. The players chosen are based on ESPN analyst Matt Bowen's July 1 ranking of the top unsigned players. Aside from Samuel Jr., other players on the list are cornerback Rasul Douglas, cornerback Mike Hilton, Edge Za'Darious Smith, and edge Jadeveon Clowney.
The two other teams where Holder said that Samuel Jr. would be a good fit were the Arizona Cardinals and the Miami Dolphins.
Why Asante Samuel Jr. and the Saints would work
Holder's reasoning for the pairing makes sense, saying that the team could use some help at cornerback after trading Marshon Lattimore to the Washington Commanders in November and losing Paulson Adebo in free agency. However, there is more than just that as to why the two would work.
If he did sign with New Orleans, Samuel Jr. would be reuniting with defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, who was his former head coach and one of the people that drafted him back in 2021. Under Staley, Samuel Jr. became one of the NFL's best corners, gathering 163 tackles, 35 passes defended, and six interceptions from 2021-2023.
Unfortunately, Samuel Jr. would have his 2024 season cut short and was only able to play in four games—a career low. He hurt his shoulder during practice leading up to a game against the Kansas City Chiefs and would be placed on injured reserve during the Chargers bye week. Before the injury, Samuel Jr. had 13 tackles and two passes defended.
The main reason that Samuel Jr. has yet to sign with a team is because he had neck surgery back in April. He described it to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler as a stinger in both shoulders, as well as a condition he has had since birth. Samuel declined to elaborate, but said he was not concerned about how it would affect his future career.