Asante Samuel Jr. remains one of the top free agent corners still available with Week 1 approaching. A deal should not be expected any time soon, however. 
Samuel underwent neck surgery in April, and his recovery process has dictated the nature of his market. The latest development on that front, courtesy of ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, is that Samuel is set to undergo a CT scan in October to ensure his spinal fusion was a success. It is after that point that the 25-year-old will look to sign with a new team.
Interest has existed in this case throughout the offseason. Samuel visited the Saints in May after being hosted by the Cardinals prior to his surgery. The Fort Lauderdale, FL. native has also been in touch with the Dolphins. Comments made about Miami’s culture under Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel by Samuel’s father led to speculation a deal would not be feasible between the parties. Instead, a Dolphins accord could still be worked out at some point.
The cornerback spot has been a major talking point this offseason for the Dolphins. Kendall Fuller‘s release was followed by the Jalen Ramsey trade and season-ending injuries suffered by Kader Kohou and Artie Burns created the need for at least one veteran addition during the summer. Mike Hilton was signed before very quickly being released, but Rasul Douglas‘ long-running connection to Miami resulted in a one-year pact being worked out last week.
The Dolphins could still have interest in further CB moves midway through the season depending on how the campaign begins. Even if that is not the case, Samuel should manage to field at least a few suitors once he is cleared. As Fowler notes, “several” teams have remained in contact through the offseason. That will no doubt continue once Samuel receives full clearance to play in 2025.
The former second-rounder served as a full-time starter while playing out his rookie contract with the Chargers. Samuel posted double-digit pass deflections in each of his first three seasons, adding a pair of interceptions every year in that span. 2024 saw the Florida State product make only four appearances, however, and injuries will be a cause for concern regarding any Samuel suitors. By the time he is available to join a team, a clearer picture will likely be in place with respect to squads in the market for in-season secondary help.
Whichever contending team has an injury I’d imagine
I hope he can bounce back. I liked him as a Charger and was hoping he would end up sticking around