The Saints will have to wait to sign potential key free agent at no fault of their own after recent health update
The New Orleans Saints are dealing with plenty of offseason changes. Adding talent on both sides of the football has been on the top of the to-do list for new head coach Kellen Moore.
He will have to wait to decide on making another important addition for defensive coordinator Brandon Staley following a recent report.
Asante Samuel Jr. will wait to sign
According to Jeremy Fowler, the former Los Angeles Chargers cornerback had neck surgery in April that is causing him to delay his signing. He's one of the best defensive backs on the free agency market.
Samuel Jr. visited the Saints recently and has a check-up following his surgery in July. After that, he will choose a team to sign with for next season and possibly beyond.
Of course, Samuel Jr. makes a lot of sense for New Orleans. They did not address their cornerback need until day three of the 2025 NFL Draft, and their CB room remains rather inexperienced.
Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor are projected starters, while veteran Isaac Yiadom may hold down the other starting role. Rookie CB Quincy Riley is a player that the staff is excited about and could leap into a bigger role in year one, too.
Regardless, another proven defensive back addition needs to be a priority for New Orleans. Samuel Jr. has experience in Brandon Staley's system and totaled six interceptions in his first three years in the NFL. When healthy, he has been a productive player for Los Angeles.
Samuel was a 2021 second-round pick of the Chargers and he had 176 tackles, six interceptions, 37 passes defensed, and a fumble recovery while starting 47 of the 50 regular season games he played for the AFC West team. -- NBC Sports
Unfortunately, Samuel Jr. played in just four games a season ago due to injury. If his checkup in July is a good one, expect the Saints to be an aggressive suitor for the cornerback. He needs to be on their radar as the offseason unfolds.
New Orleans will have to wait on those details before they continue to pursue him, though. Simply put, their hands are a bit tied if they think he is clearly the best option to add during the later stages of free agency. The waiting game begins.
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