The San Francisco 49ers welcomed free-agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. for a tryout at their practice facility in Santa Clara on Monday. The 26-year-old cornerback has spent four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers since being selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. However, his 2022 season was marred by injuries, which kept him sidelined for all but four games. Samuel underwent spinal fusion surgery in April but has recently received medical clearance to return to the field.
Prior to his visit with the 49ers, Samuel had met with several teams, including the Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings, and is expected to have upcoming visits with the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers this week.
Head Coach Kyle Shanahan described the workout as a preliminary assessment for the team’s personnel department. Although he did not observe the workout personally or interact with Samuel, he acknowledged the player’s impressive past performance. “We know he has been a hell of a player, so it’s probably just to see where he is at right now,” Shanahan stated during a conference call with reporters.
Over his four seasons with the Chargers, Samuel started in 47 of the 50 games he played, recording six interceptions and defending against 37 passes. His contract with the Chargers expired at the end of last season, and he was regarded as a top asset in free agency before his surgery became public knowledge, which has left him as an unrestricted free agent.
Samuel Jr. comes from a football lineage; he is the son of four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel, who had a successful NFL career spanning 11 seasons with the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, and Atlanta Falcons. Samuel Jr. showcased his talent in college, playing three seasons at Florida State before entering the NFL as the 47th overall pick.
Currently, the 49ers have Deommodore Lenoir starting as cornerback, who has performed admirably in all ten games this season, while Renardo Green occupies the other starting position. Darrell Luter Jr. serves as the team’s No. 3 outside cornerback.
As the team looks to bolster its defense, Samuel’s potential addition could provide depth and experience, pending his recovery progress.