Chargers' free agent may have finally found a new NFL home

The market has been relatively quiet for free agent Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. so far this offseason. He was not signed prior to the 2025 NFL Draft, putting an end to the possibility of Los Angeles gaining a comp pick for Samuel's departure to another team in free agency.

Samuel dealt with what he described as stinger symptoms in both shoulders during the 2024 season. He was placed on IR after the Chargers returned from their BYE week and did not return.

Jeremy Fowler's report from last week gave some insight on why the former Chargers' corner could be signing later than expected. Per Fowler, Samuel had neck surgery in April and is scheduled for a check-up appointment in July. He also visited with the Saints last week as a possible suitor.

A new suitor emerges for Chargers' free agent Asante Samuel Jr.

That means it could be a while before Samuel officially signs the dotted line somewhere else. A new report indicates that the Saints aren't the only team interested in his services. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports that the Dolphins have made calls on the availability of Samuel.

This seems largely related to Miami's attempt to bolster their cornerback depth in the wake of Jalen Ramsey potentially being traded. The Dolphins mutually parted ways with the star cornerback earlier this offseason.

As for the Chargers, they clearly consider the door closed on a possible return for the fifth-year free agent corner. Asked about the possibility of signing Samuel prior to last month's NFL draft, GM Joe Hortiz said, "That's Asante's conversation, not mine."

The Chargers used their offseason resources to bring in Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste via free agency. They took DB Trikweze Bridges in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. With the signings of undrafted free agent cornerbacks Eric Rogers, Nikko Reed, Myles Purchase, and Jordan Oladokun, they've also made their special teams depth a clear priority at the position.

A reunion with Samuel was probably never in the cards, but the former Charger may get the chance to start the second phase of his NFL career with a new team like the Dolphins or Saints.