New Orleans Saints Host CB Asante Samuel Jr. on a Visit

Samuel, 25, had a season-ending shoulder injury during the Chargers' week 5 matchup with the New England Patriots in 2024. The former second-round pick had neck surgery in April and is waiting to find his next team.

Samuel was one of the top young cornerbacks in the NFL at the beginning of his career, but injuries and inconsistencies kept the former Chargers cornerback unsigned deep into the 2025 offseason.

New Orleans has been actively trying to add to their cornerback room. While the team drafted Louisville cornerback Quincy Riley in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the team was swinging for the fences earlier in the offseason targeting former San Francisco 49ers cornerback Chavarious Ward before he signed with the Indianapolis Colts. 

Now that the Saints have received some cap relief thanks to Derek Carr's retirement, the team may continue to look to add to their cornerback room again. 

Cornerbacks Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor both saw significant struggles in 2024. While there were glimpses of promise between the two, New Orleans likely wants a more proven presence in the secondary after trading away Marshon Lattimore. A Samuel Jr. signing will also allow the team to move Taylor back into the slot.

Before the former Chargers cornerback signs with any team, he will first have to clear a scheduled checkup early in July. After Samuel Jr. is cleared, his market will heat up and it appears New Orleans is heavy on that trail. 

With the Saints having around $40 Million in cap space available and Samuel Jr's familiarity with defensive coordinator Brandon Staley's offense, New Orleans could be adding more firepower to their secondary.