One of the best defensive players in NFL free agency is Asante Samuel Jr. The 25-year-old cornerback is looking to sign with a new team. Samuel plans to sign with a team once he fully recovers from neck surgery. Here are the top three landing spots for Samuel Jr.
Minnesota Vikings
Asante Samuel Jr., one of the top free agent corners in this year’s class, is waiting to sign with a new team after undergoing neck surgery in April, per sources.
Samuel, who visited the Saints today, has a check-up in early July, after which he will reconvene with several… pic.twitter.com/mQJUkHsf9k
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 13, 2025
The Minnesota Vikings have been looking to add secondary depth all through free agency.
The Vikings lost several secondary players this offseason, including Stephon Gilmore, Shaq Griffin, and Camryn Bynum.
Minnesota countered those losses by signing Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah.
Byron Murphy Jr. is the only clear starter in the Minnesota secondary.
With Jalen Ramsey being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Samuel becomes the most attractive free agent available. If Samuel’s checkup in early July goes smoothly, Samuel could be an ideal fit to play corner for the Vikings.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints have met with Asante Samuel Jr. according to @JFowlerESPN
I’d LOVE this addition, what about you? pic.twitter.com/C864r5A2GC
— Trizzy Trace (@tracegirouard48) May 13, 2025
Samuel visited with the New Orleans Saints earlier this offseason, so the interest is clearly there. Samuel will likely reconvene with the Saints after his doctor’s appointment in July.
While Samuel’s initial contract was projected for $45 million over four years, the cornerback will probably have to take less money. Perhaps it will be a prove-it one-year deal before cashing in next offseason.
The 2021 second-round pick has 176 tackles, six interceptions, and 37 passes defensed in 50 games for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Without Marshon Lattimore in New Orleans, the Saints are expected to have a cornerback group with Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alontae Taylor, Ugo Amadi, Issac Yiadom, and Quincy Riley.
Most of those names are unproven commodities. Samuel provides depth and experience, two things the Saints desperately need.
Los Angeles Rams
Per @RapSheet: The #Rams and #Steelers were the two main teams involved in the potential trade of Jalen Ramsey.
Damn. We were insanely close to a reunion.
— Rams Bros. (@RamsBrothers) June 30, 2025
Before Ramsey’s trade to the Steelers, the Los Angeles Rams had shown interest in trading for the cornerback who helped win the organization a Super Bowl in 2021-2022.
The Rams will be starting Darious Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon at cornerback.
Los Angeles must improve their 20th-ranked pass defense from 2024 if they want to become a true contender.
If Samuel wants to sign a cheaper and shorter deal, the Rams would certainly be willing to consider it.
