Asante Samuel Jr. seemed like a natural signing for the New Orleans Saints to make in free agency. It didn't happen in the early portions of free agency, but the interest hasn't faded.
Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Samuel visited with the Saints on Monday. A deal still isn't imminent, as the cornerback is still recovering from neck surgery. He's expected to have a check up in July that will determine his future. No deal will be signed until that point.
Asante Samuel Jr.'s history with Brandon Staley
The Saints entered the offseason with a clear hole at cornerback. They traded Marshon Lattimore during the season, and Paulson Adebo walked in free agency. Cornerback is one of the last positions you want to be vulnerable at, but that's where the Saints sat.
Filling that hole with a player who is well acquainted with your defensive coordinator makes sense. It would allow for a quick, seamless transition into the defense. Staley was the Los Angeles Chargers head coach during Samuel's first three years in the league.
Samuel's 2024 campaign was limited to just four games. due to stingers in both shoulders, so he's played nearly exclusively in Staley's defense. In those three seasons, Samuel had two interceptions and double digit pass breakups each year. The blend of familiarity and need made Samuel an obvious option for the Saints.
Quincy Riley changes things in New Orleans
Samuel's free agency journey was delayed by injury. New Orleans added Isaac Yiadom and Quincy Riley to the room. Riley is a rookie who could be a future starter for the team. Selecting him could change how the Saints view the cornerback position.
That clearly isn't the case at the moment. New Orleans is still showing interest in Samuel, but Riley also hasn't been on the field yet. Samuel won't be ready until at least July. By that time, we'll be well beyond organized team activities and minicamp. There's a chance Riley shows enough to insert himself in that role opposite of Kool-Aid McKinstry.
The rookie would be the younger, cheaper and healthier option. If he's viable, it makes sense to roll with Riley. It would be a definite long-term option opposed to making a short-term solution with Samuel.
