The Green Bay Packers may be poised to enhance their defense soon, as NFL insider Matt Schneidman reports that the team is exploring the possibility of signing former Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. Despite failing to secure a trade for Raiders tight end Michael Mayer, the Packers are looking to strengthen their roster with Samuel, who recently recovered from spinal fusion surgery.
Samuel, a second-round pick in 2021, demonstrated significant promise during his initial three seasons in Los Angeles. He accumulated impressive stats, including 163 tackles, 35 passes defensed, and six interceptions. However, injuries sidelined him for a significant portion of last season, during which he missed 13 games due to a shoulder issue.
With Samuel now cleared for football activities, he is expected to be a highly sought-after asset for teams needing reinforcement in their secondary. As reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Samuel is keen on visiting several teams as early as this week, indicating a busy free agency period ahead.
Adding Samuel to the Packers’ roster would provide a considerable boost to an already solid defense that ranks fourth in the league, allowing just 286.4 yards per game and ninth in pass defense with 197 yards given up per game. The current cornerback lineup, featuring Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs, and Carrington Valentine, has seen significant playing time, making the addition of a veteran like Samuel a strategic move to enhance their playoff potential.
As the Packers continue to refine their team, the opportunity to secure a player of Samuel’s caliber reflects their commitment to building a robust defense while adapting to challenges faced in recent trades and injuries. This agility in player acquisition could set the stage for a competitive season ahead.