asante samuel

Eagles Trade Asante Samuel To Falcons For Seventh Round Pick

The Eagles traded four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel to the Falcons today for a seventh round pick, 229th overall.  Samuel had two years and more than $21 million remaining on his contract, but restructured the deal with the Falcons to three years and $18.5 million according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

“we obviously feel good about our cornerback situation moving forward with Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie as our starters,” Eagles head coach Andy Reid said in a statement. “Those two played very well together in the latter part of the season and we anticipate that will continue as we head into the 2012 season.”

Samuel has 45 career interceptions, fourth among active players in the NFL.  Samuel is the youngest player with more than 35 picks, but did not fit the Eagles new defensive scheme as well last year after the additions of Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

Samuel’s strengths are reading the quarterback and jumping routes while playing off coverage, whereas the Eagles utilized more press coverage last season and struggled to find ways to get all three of their Pro Bowl caliber cornerbacks on the field in effective roles.

Now Samuel joins Falcons cornerbacks Brent Grimes and Dunta Robinson, who is likely to move to the slot to accommodate Samuel.

“We wish Asante Samuel all the best as he heads into the next chapter of his career in Atlanta,” Reid said. “he has been a very productive member of the Eagles for the past four years and we appreciate all that he has done for our organization.”

Samuel caused a stir in training camp last year after the Eagles acquired Rodgers-Cromartie and Asomugha, suggesting that perhaps his time in Philadelphia was short.

“If they tired of my big play making ability, you know, maybe they’ll ship me out,” said Samuel during training camp. “Maybe they want to keep me. I don’t know. Who knows?”

“I want to be where I’m wanted, if I’m wanted here,” Samuel said back in August and paused. “If I’m not appreciated here, then life goes on, I’ll move on.”

Things settled down and Samuel played out the season, but indicated late in the year that he’d be traded during the offseason.

2008 Philadelphia Eagles Draft Report

The Philadelphia Eagles will play their 76th season in 2008 and will be attempting to improve on last year’s fair-to-average 8-8 record. Head coach Andy Reid has returned despite a disappointing season, probably because he has done more right than wrong over the past nine years. (Including taking the Eagles to Super Bowl XXXIX) How will the Eagles fair in the new season? they have already lost three notable players including linebacker Takeo Spikes, defensive end Jevon Kearse and fullback Thomas Tapeh. however, they also managed to add cornerback Asante Samuel of the new England Patriots, defensive end Chris Clemons of the Oakland Raiders, defensive tackle Dan Klecko from the Indianapolis Colts, as well as tight end L.J. Smith and fullback Luke Lawton.

The restructuring of the Eagles was at least halfway started, though only the draft would see things through. For the 2008 draft the Philadelphia Eagles chose ten college players. Their first second round pick was defensive tackle Trevor Laws from Notre Dame, followed by wide receiver DeSean Jackson of the University of California. Bryan Smith from McNeese State was drafted as a defensive end, followed by offensive tackle Mike McGlynn from Pittsburgh. In round four, safety Quintin Demps from the University of Texas at El Paso while Wisconsin’s Jack Ikegwuonu was chosen as a cornerback. In round six, three players were chosen; among them offensive tackle Mike Gibson from California, linebacker Joe Mays from North Dakota State and defensive end Andrew Studebaker from Wheaton. The final selection in round seven went to King Dunlap from Auburn serving as an offensive tackle.

What was the reaction from experts and fans? There was some surprise that the team traded out their first round picks for the second year in a row, especially considering the amount of talent available in offensive line, safety, and wide receiver positions. The team’s first second round pick of Trevor Laws was seen as a good move as he can easily back Mike Patterson in defense. DeSean Jackson might have been seen as an even better pick considering his abilities, though his character remains in question. Jack Ikegwuonu was seen as a player that could turn out to be a high reward or high risk pick, and thus far it’s looking like the latter, as he may not play in 2008 because of a knee injury and criminal charge. Smith didn’t receive much attention though McGlynn was appreciated for his versatility. Demps was mostly seen as a reach, while Dunlap had a few votes of confidence from experts.

Should Eagles fans start buying merchandise and booking Super Bowl tickets for 2009? sure, though it’s anyone’s guess whether or not the Eagles will fly anywhere near the playoffs. Jackson and Ikegwonu seem to lack maturity and may give Eagles fans some nervous moments. Worse yet, many of the draft picks seem to lack excitement. The Eagles’ success in 2008 will be determined by the status quo as well as the strategy used to employ the rookies. The Eagles have yet to capture their first Super Bowl championship though they gave new England a scare back in 2004. Their best may be yet to come.