Asante doesn't want a trade; Eagles fielding calls
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Asante doesn't want a trade; Eagles fielding calls
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- Asante Samuel does not want to be traded.
That might not be enough to keep him in Philadelphia.
The Eagles are receiving calls from other teams interested in the Pro Bowl cornerback, NFL sources said.
Apparently the third wheel in the Eagles' cornerback trifecta, Samuel has been rumored to be on the block after the blockbuster acquisition that netted the Eagles' Nnamdi Asomugha on Friday and the trade that brought Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to Philadelphia the day before.
But the Eagles have said they're keeping all three, although a league source with knowledge of the team's thinking said a "great" trade offer could change the game plan.
Samuel's agent, Alonzo Shavers, said that the Eagles have not told his client that he will be traded. Samuel has not been in camp since the start because of a personal issue. His absence has been excused.
"Asante is still an Eagle," Shavers said on Saturday. "I do not want anyone to get confused because he's been absent. The Eagles obviously went out an wanted to get a big name in Nnamdi. But we'll see how things go when Asante gets into camp and practices."
Shavers described Samuel as being initially confused by the decision to sign the Asomugha, considered by many to be the top one or two corners in the league. But he said his client wants to get into camp and compete. It appears unlikely the Eagles would keep all three cornerbacks although the team made some surprising decisions before.
"He's not worried about being traded in terms of his productivity," Shavers said. "If it happens, it happens."
Samuel, 30, has 42 career interceptions with seven coming in the postseason. His 36 interceptions since 2006 are most in the NFL. Last season, he notched seven interceptions in 11 games. Opposing quarterbacks only threw at him 36 times, according to Football Outsiders.
Asomugha, by comparison, was targeted 31 times in 14 games, but recorded zero picks.
Eagles coach Andy Reid said Saturday that Asomugha will start off at right cornerback when he can finally practice. The 30-year-old is expected to report to camp this evening. Rodgers-Cromartie played left cornerback at today's practice two days after the coach said he would be the team's starting right corner.
Samuel has only played on the left side for the Eagles.
"Asante can play either side," Shavers said.
Could he play the nickel?
"It this defense it makes no sense to move Asante to the nickel," Shavers said. "I don't think the numbers suggest that that's something he would want to do."
Still uncertain is what the Eagles' defensive scheme will look like under new coordinator Juan Castillo. Samuel plays more off the ball, while Asomugha plays press primarily. Rodgers-Cromartie played off most of the time for the Cardinals.
We may finally see the Eagles' plan in the next few days when Samuel finally reports.
"It could be today it could be tomorrow, but it should be here in the next couple of days," Shavers said.
He's gone.— n62- Dont trade him! He had a career year last year, with these three CBs it would be impossible to pass on us. Not to mention teams use 3 WRs or more 50% of the time now (thats a fact), especially with teams like the Saints and Packers doing it often!— Eagles_Nation
Comment removed.- Why would Samuel play nickel. I swear some ppl r stupid. He's definitely better than DRC. I hope he stays unless we absolutely have to trade him. And if they were considering keeping all 3 I don't think we have to. But we'll see what happens. Its ridiculous if he goes— wooshie123
- EaglesNation is right. Keep all 3 and you are solid there. And you have depth in case of injury. Look how it hurt the Phils when they traded Lee away.— mikeyhigs
- Trad AS for a standout OT...that's the most glaring need and no ever talks about it. Remember last year watching Vick scrambling for his life...until we strengthen the line this team will continue to struggle and Vick wont last w/o injury— ziggy26
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- It cracks me up when people say "we" and "us" when referring to pro sports teams. If you are not on the team, then you don't get to say it.— phillyinsd
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- Trade him. He is holding out for more money after signing one of footballs richest contracts a few years ago. His demands for a new deal are the reason the Eagles got Nmandi.
Unless he would be willing to move to free saftey. His skill set matches that perfectly. Opposing QB's would be afraid to throw the ball with Assante lurking out there, hiding his intentions and timing his arrival. He would end up with 20 INT's. The kid from temple would be free to support the linebackers on the TE or the run defense. Can't see Assante agreeing to this though, even though you would think that geting a ring would be his #1 priority by now. - bbbaaaaahhhhhh, that's the funniest thing I have heard all week! You do realize the word "safety" is used because they are the last safety nets to save TD's when players get loose. They are not only there to help in coverage, althoug they are used to double team frequently. If Asante had 20 picks, he would have 100 missed tackles and 50 TD's scored on him lol. Have you everr heard of Andre Waters, or Brian Dawkins? Guess what made them great safety's? People FEARED them going over the middle...... TE's and big RB's didn't want to get hit by those guys. The only person Asante would scare is Todd Pinkston, at age 55......
- I swear idiots like you make me sick to my stomach. Did you even read the article. Samuel has an EXCUSED absence. HE'S NOT HOLDING OUT. And genius...he's too small to play safety besides the fact that he's not a tackler. He's a cover CORNER. Most int's in the NFL since 2006. But idiots like you say let him play safety and do not let him play where he's best suited. He was targeted 36 times last year and had 7 int's. Basically every 5th pass coming his way he picked off. But you say play him at safety??? — Facts before ignorance
- We are all now a little bit stupider for reading your idiotic comment. Do yourself a favor and buy a book on football or something. Not holding out! 20 INTs? Skill set for free safety? HE CAN"T TACKLE! — jmh322
- Cromartie is the younger and cheaper starting CB of the two. He's a natural RCB like Asomugha, and he'd command a lot more in return in a trade than Samuel. Maybe for a RT. Maybe for a DT. I don't see them trading for a LB. I'm just a fan, but how silly would it be to play Samuel at the FS position? If the Eagles cut or trade Hanson, then, then we'll know their plan is to keep all three.— Dave in Cincy
