Free Agent Samuel Signed by Eagles
Pro Bowl Cornerback Asante Samuel Leaves Patriots for Philadelphia
On the first day of the 2008 NFL free agency period the Philadelphia Eagles made a big splash and improved their secondary defense with a significant signing
Playing in the NFC against tall wide receivers such as Terrell Owens (6'3") and Plaxico Burress (6'5") has caused the Eagles' defense problems in the past, especially since their tallest player in the secondary stands at six feet. So, how do they address the issue? Well, they begin by signing highly-coveted free agent cornerback Asante Samuel, who has won two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and has more interceptions over the last two seasons than any other player in the NFL. And, Samuel measures in at 5"10". Okay, perhaps the team wasn't seeking to sign the tallest cornerback, but the addition of the talented Samuel gives the Eagles one of the deepest secondaries in the league. Their current cornerback positions are filled by Sheldon Brown and two-time Pro Bowler Lito Sheppard, while six-time Pro Bowl player Brian Dawkins will start his 14th season at the free safety position. However, as impressive as the Eagles' defense has been over the last few seasons, they had only 11 interceptions last season and didn't score a single defensive touchdown. Their once-fearsome defense had suddenly become one of the league's worst, statistically. Samuel's arrival in the City of Brotherly Love is welcomed with open arms.
Samuel has recorded 16 interceptions over the last two seasons and was named to the Pro Bowl and earned first-team All-Pro honors last season with six interceptions, 44 tackles, and 18 passes defensed. He was originally selected in the fourth round of the 2003 draft by the Patriots with the 120th pick and became a starter on the team the next season due to injuries, and actually started Super Bowl XXXIX in which the Patriots defeated the Eagles 24-21. Two seasons later, as a full-time starter, Samuel recorded career-highs with 10 interceptions and 64 tackles. The Patriots rewarded Samuel by placing the club's franchise tag on him in 2007 but couldn't retain him once the tag had expired and the Eagles had offered him a six-year contract worth a reported $57-million, according to www.philadelphiaeagles.com.
It's unsure yet how all three Eagles cornerbacks will fit into defensive coordinator Jim Johnson's rotation but head coach Andy Reid has reportedly named Samuel as the team's starting left corner, Sheppard's old position.
Philadelphia has continued to reinforce their defense in this, only the second day of the 2008 free agency period, by signing defensive end Chris Clemons to a five-year contract. This comes only one day after the Eagles released oft-injured defensive end Jevon Kearse.
