Latest news with #AsanteSamuelJr
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Asante Samuel Sr. blows up son's potential Miami Dolphins move by torching coach Mike McDaniel
Asante Samuel Jr.'s potential move to the Dolphins could be off after his Super Bowl-winning dad blasted Miami coach Mike McDaniel. Back in May, the Miami Herald reported that the Dolphins had called to inquire about cornerback Samuel Jr. in free agency, and the team has even more of a need at the position now after trading away Jalen Ramsey. But in discussing that move on his podcast, former Patriots, Eagles and Falcons star Samuel Sr. ripped the Dolphins - and potentially scuppered his son's chances of signing there. 'The Dolphins had no reason to trade Jalen Ramsey other than they're sensitive, there's no leadership in the Dolphins organization,' Samuel said recently ' Say What Needs To Be Said', via the New York Post. 'Mike McDaniel is a pushover. Chris Grier, the general manager, he has no backbone. These guys over here, the Miami Dolphins, they are running this team like a little league team. No one can stand up to the players. They are terrified of their own players and they have no control over their players.' The Dolphins' trade of Ramsey to the Steelers was seemingly an attempt to gain back that sort of control, as the defensive back was accused afterwards of some less-than-stellar conduct with the team. The Sun-Sentinel wrote that Ramsey displayed 'disruptive' behavior which had begun to 'hurt the culture' of the franchise. Specifically, the outlet claimed that that Ramsey and receiver Tyreek Hill were 'constantly late for practices or meetings.' Hill remains on the team's roster after declaring 'I'm out' following the last game of the regular season, though he continues to be linked with a trade out of South Beach. As part of Ramsey's trade to the Steelers, the Dolphins also sent Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick and a pick swap. More specifically, the Dolphins will send a 2027 seventh-rounder to Pittsburgh in exchange for a fifth-rounder that year. Samuel Jr. has established himself as a starting-caliber cornerback since being drafted by the Chargers in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He's started 47 games (of 50 total), though he played just four games last season due to injury. He reportedly underwent neck injury in April. McDaniel has been a polarizing figure since taking over for the Dolphins in 2022. The player-friendly coach has seen his team produce some explosive offense performances with Tua Tagovailoa healthy, though he's 0-2 in the playoffs and saw his team miss the postseason last year. He has a 28-23 record in Miami.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dolphins Named Top Landing Spot for Free Agent Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.
Dolphins Named Top Landing Spot for Free Agent Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Miami Dolphins traded away Jalen Ramsey after a full offseason of waiting. It officially opened the Dolphins' cornerback room to a new addition, which is now a major need before the 2025 season. Advertisement With a clear need at the position, the Dolphins are linked to a young cornerback in free agency. According to Matt Holder of Bleacher Report, the Dolphins are a top landing spot for cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. "The Dolphins are seemingly trending toward a rebuild this season," Holder writes, "Especially after trading away Jalen Ramsey. That deal created a need at corner, which could give Samuel a chance to play right away and potentially be part of the long-term plan in Miami." Samuel Jr. is the son of legendary NFL cornerback Asante Samuel. While he has yet to earn accolades like his father did, Samuel is still an interesting cornerback option for the Dolphins. He played in just four games in 2024 after dealing with a neck issue, which he had surgery for in April of 2025. He's previously been linked to the Dolphins, and Holder is once again making the connection. Advertisement Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel talks to reporters before practice during mandatory minicamp at Hard Rock Navarro-Imagn Images Across his four-year NFL career, Samuel has played 50 games and hauled in six interceptions. He also has 37 passes defended and 176 tackles in his career. When targeted, Samuel allows a passer rating of 92.3 and has given up 14 touchdowns across four seasons in the NFL. He's been an above-average cornerback in his career and has a lot of potential. He was picked in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft and had a lot of believers in NFL circles. Miami, with a huge hole at cornerback, would be a great landing spot for Samuel. That is, if the money isn't a holdup. The Dolphins are reportedly going to be stingy with their money at cornerback and could decide to pass on Samuel if he demands more than what the Dolphins are willing to spend, despite the dire need. Advertisement Miami would be a nice landing spot for Samuel, as it'd be a good opportunity for him to get a starting job with little competition. If the two sides can agree to a deal, the Dolphins could land their Ramsey replacement in an exciting young cornerback. Related: Dolphins Trade of Jalen Ramsey Lands Stunning Return from Steelers Related: Dolphins Expected to Make Strange Free Agent Decision After Jalen Ramsey Trade This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cowboys Insider Reveals 'Emergency List' of 4 Free Agent Cornerbacks to Sign at Camp
Cowboys Insider Reveals 'Emergency List' of 4 Free Agent Cornerbacks to Sign at Camp originally appeared on Athlon Sports. FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys believe they have — if only everybody were healthy — one of the best cornerback rooms in the NFL. Advertisement Seriously. Think about it. The playmakers in Trevon Diggs and Daron Bland. The first-round talent in Kaiir Elam. The rookie promise of Shavon Revel. And more. Alas, Diggs is rehabbing and it might be until midseason before he's right. Revel could be ready much sooner, but he's an unknown. Elam is until further notice a Buffalo Bills "bust.'' So, as training camp in Oxnard approaches, the group is, as our Mike Fisher has termed it ... "Bland and Blander.'' Should Dallas make a call for veteran free agent help now? That's not the plan; Fish says they will do so only once they get to camp and come to the realization that what they have won't cut cut it. And Fish also offers up four names on the "Break Glass In Case Of Cornerback Emergency'' List ... Advertisement To wit ... Stephon Gilmore He won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2019, but that was a long time ago. What has "Gilly'' done for 'em lately? He's served as a Cowboys locker room leader two years ago and he's now free again. But he's also going to turn 35 years old in September. He's a comforting name ... but that age is concerning. Asante Samuel Jr. The former Los Angeles Chargers corner is just 25 years old, but he is coming off shoulder and neck injuries that limited him to just four games played last year. He will be undergoing a medical re-check at the end of this month. ... and that's the reason he is choosing to wait. Advertisement With second-round draft pedigree, Samuel probably still thinks he can get paid. If he's right, that lessens the chances at The Star. Rasul Douglas The Bills ex plays a physical style at corner and he makes plays; he had five interceptions and a pick-six touchdown in 2023. He will turn 30 next month, but even with that, we keep asking ourselves why the Bills aren't trying to bring him back. Mike Hilton The veteran Hilton likes to tackle and can play in the slot and in his eight seasons has been an all-over-the-field weapon with 13 interceptions, 11.5 sacks and 34 pass breakups. At 31, we wonder if Hilton is the guy in this group sitting in a power position ... maybe wanting to wait for the right contending team at the right time for him. Advertisement That doesn't make him a perfect match in Dallas, and maybe there is no such thing at all, with the Cowboys hoping they don't have to "break the glass'' to win at cornerback. Related: Cowboys Trade Of Micah Parsons To Patriots Rumor Gets NFL Insiders Traction Related: Cowboys Insiders Agree On Camp's No. 1 'Surprise Starter' Get more Cowboys from the Fish Report here! This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dolphins Seen as Landing Spot for Asante Samuel Jr.
Dolphins Seen as Landing Spot for Asante Samuel Jr. originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Miami Dolphins are one of many NFL teams in the market for a starting-caliber cornerback. Should their roster remain the way it is right now, the Dolphins will have serviceable cornerback room ahead of the 2025 season. But the reason why they are connected to so many high-profile free agents and trade candidates is the fact that they have actively been finding a new home for Jalen Ramsey, an All-Pro defensive back and Super Bowl champion who joined the team in 2023. Advertisement As the Dolphins navigate through the pool of available players, they are looking for someone who is ideally a like-for-like replacement for Ramsey in terms of quality and leadership traits. Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox sees free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., who most recently played for the Los Angeles Chargers, as an ideal fit for the AFC East squad. "The Dolphins may or may not be playoff contenders in 2025, but they do need cornerback help with Ramsey on the way out and have already considered Samuel," Knox wrote. "According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Miami reached out to Samuel in May. He could be a high-reward, low-risk option for a Dolphins team that has just $14 million in remaining cap space." Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) enters the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Lee-Imagn Images Knox urges the Dolphins – and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, another team he believes could benefit from Samuel Jr.'s services – to be cautious with him, as he is considered a much riskier option than other players who could be available due to his recent injury history. Advertisement "He was limited to only four games last season by a stinger issue that may not go away," Knox wrote. "According to The Athletic's Daniel Popper, the stinger ailment affected both of Samuel's shoulders in 2024 and is something the corner was 'born with.' According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Samuel plans to play in 2025, but he underwent neck surgery in April and is scheduled for a check-up in July, 'after which he will reconvene with several interested teams.'" Knox, however, understands that Samuel Jr. can offer a lot on the field and is among the most talented defensive backs in the league when not dealing with injuries. "Several teams will be interested if Samuel is deemed healthy before training camp. He's had tackling issues and isn't the most physical corner. He has tremendous ball skills, though, is only 25 and showed a ton of growth before last year's injury," Knox wrote. Advertisement "Samuel started 16 games for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023 and allowed an opposing passer rating of only 87.4 in coverage that season. He logged an impressive 26 pass breakups over his first three seasons." Samuel, a former second-round NFL Draft pick who has spent his entire four-year NFL career with the Chargers, is credited with 176 tackles, six interceptions, and 37 passes defended across 50 games in the league. Related: Dolphins' Tyreek Hill Calls Out Bills Defense in NSFW Message This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Newsweek
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
NFL Insider Links Eagles To Free Agent Defensive Playmaker
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Cornerback is one of the highly anticipated position battles for the Eagles this summer, with Kelee Ringo and veteran Adoree' Jackson vying for the CB2 spot opposite Quinyon Mitchell. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Philadelphia may be adding another name to the mix. During a recent radio appearance on 97.5 The Fanatic, Fowler stated that the Eagles have free agent CB Asante Samuel Jr. 'on their radar.' "Asante Samuel Jr., who is coming back from a neck injury, was one of the top free-agent corners,'' Fowler said. "He probably won't sign until late July. I do know the Eagles have thought about that one, and that's on their radar as well." Samuel was a 2021 second-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers and was their top corner before he suffered a shoulder injury last season. Per ESPN's Kris Rihm, Samuel has been dealing with shoulder issues since his childhood, but doesn't think it will affect his career long-term. He was limited to four games last year and reportedly underwent neck surgery in April, which limited his market during free agency. INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Asante Samuel Jr. #26 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts following an NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium on September... INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Asante Samuel Jr. #26 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts following an NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Inglewood, California. MoreThe 25-year-old isn't a strong tackler but has elite coverage skills when healthy, recording 35 pass breakups and six interceptions across his first three seasons. His most notable performance came in an AFC Wild Card Game against the Jaguars, where he picked off Trevor Lawrence three times in the first half. The Eagles are no strangers to Samuel's legacy. His father, Asante Samuel Sr., spent four years in Philadelphia from 2008 to 2011, earning three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro nod. His nine interceptions in 2009 were tied for the most in the league with Jairus Byrd, Darren Sharper, and Charles Woodson. If Samuel Jr. gets a clean bill of health following his July checkup, several teams are likely to show interest as they finalize their training camp rosters. There aren't many better landing spots than the Eagles, who are known for taking on reclamation projects and rebuilding their value. Mekhi Becton just signed a $10 million contract after thriving at right guard for Philadelphia. Isaiah Rodgers joined the Eagles while serving a gambling suspension and became a key contributor on their path to winning the championship. Samuel Jr. could be the next redemption story. As it currently stands, the Eagles have Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, Adoree Jackson, Eli Ricks, Mac McWilliams, and Parry Nickerson on their roster at cornerback. Adding another talented name at a low cost is right up Howie Roseman's alley. For more Philadelphia Eagles and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
