The first wave of free agency is over, and most of the top prospects, along with a handful of other players, have found their new homes. But if you think all the top free agents are now off the board, umm… You might be wrong. There are still a few notable names left. A couple of teams might need or be eyeing those notable names. Like the Steelers, who are hoping for an Aaron Rodgers deal to get done. Another name in the mix is Asante Samuel Jr.
Originally drafted by the Chargers in 2021, Asante Samuel Jr. has become one of the most appealing free agents this offseason. The Florida State alum had a strong start. But when he entered free agency this year, there was some hesitation to sign him quickly. It could be because of the CB’s recent shoulder injury. But with not many options on the table, there’s a lot of talk and rumors about teams eyeing him. As per rumors, Kyle Shanahan‘s Niners and Sean McDermott‘s Bills are reportedly keeping tabs on Asante.
The San Francisco #49ers, Buffalo #Bills, and Los Angeles #Rams have all show interest in CB Asante Samuel Jr
The Free Agent CB hasn’t garnered the deal he’d hope and is willing to accept a 1 yr prove it deal. pic.twitter.com/i5rxFwK1QT
— 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) April 4, 2025
Both these teams might be considering signing him or are in the mix of discussions surrounding his future. The Niners, after they traded, released, and cut off most of their roster, have some pressing needs. And after they let go of Charvarius Ward, several analysts predict that Asante might land in San Francisco.
On the other hand, when it comes to Sean McDermott’s Bills, they have their No. 1 CB, Christian Benford. Just last week, they signed him to a four-year deal worth $76 million. But their other CB, Rasul Douglas, is still a free agent, meaning the Bills might not be looking to offer Rasul an extension. So, in that case, ESPN predicts Asante Samuel Jr. might make a great fit for Josh Allen and Co.
However, it’s not just the Bills and 49ers who are looking for Samuel Jr.
Asante Samuel Jr. watch: Steelers, Cardinals, and Rams enter the chat
The Pittsburgh Steelers have their issues at CB depth. Joey Porter Jr. often lands up in team penalties. Donte Jackson was not too impressive, either. The team added Darius Slay and Brandin Echols this offseason. Darius is already 34 and is on a one-year deal with the Steelers. They might have signed him so that he could serve as a mentor to young players like Joey Porter Jr.
So, as per analysts, that’s where Pittsburgh’s decision to invest in Asante could be a smart move. And since Samuel Jr. hasn’t received a deal yet, he’s also open to signing a 1-year prove-it deal. So, considering that, it might be worth giving the CB a shot.
The Cardinals, too, have some pressing needs on the defensive side of the ball. Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report predicts that Arizona might sign Asante to fill those loopholes on their D-line. Samuel has a 59.5 percent completion rate; the CB is also consistently active in coverage. The only problem with the 25-year-old is that he doesn’t break up the pass. So, while on one hand, he prevents a fair number of completions, the ones he does give up can be costly, especially on deep routes or busted coverages.
And then there’s the LA Rams. Their cornerback Darious Williams turned 32 this year, and his performance dipped a bit in the 2024 season (played just 12 games with 45 total tackles). He suffered a hamstring strain during training camp in late July, which was serious enough to land him on injured reserve to start the season. Williams made his 2024 debut in Week 5 against the Packers and went on to play at least 50 snaps in all 11 games following the Rams’ Week 6 bye.
While the Rams still have plenty of talented players on their roster, bringing in someone like Asante Samuel Jr. could add much-needed depth to their secondary. So now, there are a handful of teams potentially in the running for Samuel. And with the market cooling off a bit, analysts have projected that if he ends up signing a one-year deal, it could land somewhere around the $8 million mark.
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