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Saints Dubbed 'Potential Fit' For Projected $45 Million Star

The Saints are the perfect landing spot for free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.
Zach Pressnell|
Nov 6, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets tight end C.J. Uzomah (87) runs with the ball against Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Nov 6, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets tight end C.J. Uzomah (87) runs with the ball against Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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Los Angeles ChargersNew Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints still have a few holes to fill before they kick off the 2025 NFL season. Potentially the biggest hole on the Saints' roster is at cornerback.

Last season, New Orleans traded away star cornerback Marshon Lattimore. They also failed to re-sign Paulson Adebo in free agency as the 25-year-old inked a lucrative deal with the New York Giants. New Orleans will need to take to the NFL Draft or whatever is left in free agency to replace these two star defensive backs.

Bleacher Report's Moe Moton recently dubbed the Saints as a "potential fit" for Los Angeles Chargers free agent Asante Samuel Jr. Spotrac projects Samuel to sign a four-year deal worth $45 million, but given his lingering shoulder injury, this number might end up a bit lower.

"Asante Samuel Jr. is the best boundary cornerback available. When you consider his age, he has the potential to be a long-term starter," Moton wrote. "The 25-year-old registered at least two interceptions and 11 breakups in each of his first three seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers. Last year, though, he missed 13 games because of a shoulder injury. Nonetheless, Samuel allowed a passer rating under 90 without giving up a touchdown in four outings. Still in his prime, he has room for growth."

It might be tough for the Saints to afford this acquisition, but it would be even tougher to go into next season with a completely depleted cornerback room.

Samuel, 25, had played 17 games in 2022 and 2023 before playing in just four games last year. Still, when he's healthy, he's a star. With the entire offseason to recover from his injury, the Saints should expect to land a healthy star if they sign Samuel.

More NFL: NFL Mock Draft: Saints Make Shocking Decision, Draft Edge Rusher

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Zach Pressnell
ZACH PRESSNELL

Zach Pressnell has experience covering all major US sports at both the professional and collegiate levels. He’s produced content for FanSided, Blog Red Machine, The Game Haus, Bethany College Athletics and the Bethany College online newspaper, He graduated from Bethany College (WV) with a degree in Communications and Media Arts, specializing in Sports Journalism. Pressnell was also a four-year member of the baseball team where he earned himself All-PAC recognition as a pitcher (and a cool Tommy John surgery scar). Now, Pressnell specializes in NFL and MLB coverage for Sports Illustrated’s “On SI” network among others. For all business/marketing inquiries, reach out to Scott Neville: scott@wtfsports.org

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