Asante Samuel is a name that likely rings a bell for most NFL fans. The four-time Pro Bowler and 2007 first-team All-Pro led the league in interceptions twice during his prolific 11-year career, winning two Super Bowls.
His son, Asante Samuel Jr., hasn't quite piled up those same accolades but is a solid player in his own right. After spending his first four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers and racking up six interceptions, he's set to be a free agent. One team that could potentially give him a look is the Washington Commanders.
The Bleacher Report listed its top 50 free agents with top suitors named for the top 25. The Commanders were touted as a good fit for five players.
Samuel was one of them. The Commanders were also linked to a pair of San Francisco 49ers — cornerback Charvarius Ward and linebacker Dre Greenlaw. Zack Baun and Milton Williams from the Philadelphia Eagles came under the microscope as solid fits in Washington.
Some of those options are more realistic than others. It seems unlikely the Eagles would let Baun walk after an All-Pro season. The same can probably be said for Williams, who emerged as a key piece for Philadelphia during its Super Bowl run.
Ward is aging by defensive back standards, entering his eighth season in 2025. Greenlaw raises concerns about whether he'll return to his old form after tearing his Achilles during Super Bowl LVIII.
Commanders linked with free-agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.
Samuel is intriguing, and he probably won't be back with the Chargers. Kristopher Knox stated new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter's scheme isn't well-suited. The analyst argues that the Commanders would be a much better fit, as their defensive backs coach Tom Donatell coached the Chargers' secondary in 2023.
The Commanders should also take a look at the 25-year-old. Washington relied on a lot of older vets in 2024 and should now be looking to add younger pieces to the puzzle.Kristopher Knox
Samuel seems to be worth taking a look at for Washington. General manager Adam Peters has already built a promising track record of finding success with free agent signings who were undervalued with their previous teams, such as Frankie Luvu, Dante Fowler Jr., and Jeremy Chinn. Samuel could be a valuable addition, especially if Marshon Lattimore proves to be on the downside of his career.
The Commanders will have plenty of money to spend this offseason, with the third-most salary cap space in the NFL at just over $82 million. While some of that will likely be spent trying to make bigger splashes, there are always the under-the-radar signings that move the needle as well.
Samuel should be high on Washington's wish list in that regard.
