Cornerback Asante Samuel is still a free agent, but that could change in the coming days. A second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Florida State product was one of the few bright spots on Brandon Staley’s defense during his three-year stint with the organization. With a proven head coach in Jim Harbaugh taking over in 2024, Samuel had the opportunity to hit the open market on the heels of a breakout season.
Unfortunately, that never happened, as injuries limited the once-promising cornerback to just four games. Still on the open market, Pro Football Focus believes he is one of the best players left in free agency and he should find a home soon. With star cornerback Jalen Ramsey on the trade block, PFF’s Ryan Smith notes that Asante Samuel would be a natural fit with the Dolphins.
“[Samuel] was excellent in 2022 and 2023, ranking among the top 30 cornerbacks in PFF overall grade, breaking up 20 passes and intercepting four others over that span,” Smith writes. “Still just 25 years old, Samuel brings youth, pedigree, and proven production at the NFL level – a potentially huge boost to the Dolphins’ secondary moving forward.”
PFF: Dolphins Should Sign Chargers Free Agent Cornerback Asante Samuel
If Asante Samuel signs with the Dolphins, it probably won’t be until the team officially trades Jalen Ramsey. The All-Pro cornerback is still a good player, but both sides are looking for a change of scenery. While a trade never materialized during the 2025 NFL Draft, Miami can save $5.9 million in cap space by waiting until after June 1st to deal him. Samuel isn’t Ramsey, but he should be the best cornerback on this depth chart.
As Smith notes in his article, Kader Kohou, Storm Duck, and Cam Smith will be atop the Dolphins’ cornerback depth chart if and when Ramsey officially leaves town. These three are not starting-caliber players, especially when the team shares a division with an elite quarterback in Josh Allen. However, waiting until June means another team could sign him at any moment.
Other Fits
The New England Patriots spent the offseason loading up on young talent. While the team should be more competitive in 2025, their roster still needs work. Christian Gonzalez looks like a legitimate lockdown cornerback, and Carlton Davis is a reliable veteran, but this team could use another body in the secondary. Organizations need three reliable cornerbacks in today’s pass-happy NFL, and Samuel could give this once-great organization the defensive depth needed for a top-10 defense.
The Carolina Panthers had arguably the worst defense in football last year. While the front seven was the biggest issue, this team could also use more help in the secondary. Locking up Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson were good steps in the right direction, but there’s still more work to be done. Adding Asante Samuel to the mix will ensure there is no weak spot in the secondary and might be enough to help them compete for what should be a wide-open NFC South title.
Main Photo: Jim Dedmon – Imagn Images
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