Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

Dolphins Contact Former Chargers Cornerback to Strengthen Secondary

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated May 20, 2025 2:20 PM ET

The Miami Dolphins have a clear need at cornerback. After not addressing the need through the 2025 NFL Draft, the Dolphins are expected to make a move during the rest of the offseason.

According to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, the Dolphins have reached out to free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. The 25-year-old is coming off neck surgery in April and will meet with teams in July.

However, Jackson reports that the Dolphins reached out to Samuel and have an interest in the four-year starter. Jackson wrote, "The Dolphins... have not made an offer to Samuel and have not brought him in for a visit, a source said."

NEW: Per source, the Dolphins have reached out on free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., while maintaining dialogue with another proven vet corner. Where things standhttps://t.co/PeIAreMZFi
PLUS Dolphins' contract info leaked. And more:
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) May 20, 2025

While Samuel isn't close to signing with the Dolphins, the connection being made ahead of Samuel talking to most teams is a sign the Dolphins have interest in bringing him down to South Beach.

Samuel was a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and has since started 7 games for the Los Angeles Chargers. He had two interceptions in each season from 2021 to 2023, before he suffered a neck injury in 2024 which knocked him out for the entire season.

As Samuel is heading into his fifth NFL season, he is also recovering from a tough season-ending injury. But, with his production from his first four years of his career, there will likely be a few teams inquiring about his services.

In each season from 2021 to 2023, Samuel had at least 11 passes defended and never allowed a passer rating above 96.8. Samuel has been a major contributor for the Chargers since his selection in the second round.

While his neck injury is a legitimate issue, there is a lot of intrigue surrounding Samuel in the NFL. If he can recover from his neck injury, a team signing Samuel in free agency would add a young, dynamic cornerback late in the offseason.

That kind of opportunity is rare, and the Dolphins could take advantage of it. With Jalen Ramsey likely on his way out of Miami, Samuel's addition to the cornerback room would be a welcome one.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: