The 2025 NFL Draft is right around the corner and LA Chargers GM Joe Hortiz is still talking about free agency. Los Angeles still has cap space it can utilize this offseason and will likely take some swings after the draft once the signings no longer count toward the compensatory formula for 2026.
One such name that has been put on ice until after the 2025 NFL Draft is cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. Samuel remains a free agent after an unorthodox season with the Chargers where he last played in Week 4. With Samuel on the market, and his value continuing to decrease with time, there could be an avenue where he reunites with the Chargers.
At least... that was the thinking before Hortiz was asked about Samuel. Hortiz offered a cryptic response about Samuel's future during his media availability Thursday that says a lot about any potential future with the Bolts.
Joe Hortiz on if the door is still open for Asante Samuel Jr. to return pic.twitter.com/QNKnf70j8y
— ChargersMuse (@ChargersMuse) April 17, 2025
Joe Hortiz says the obvious about Asante Samuel Jr's future with the Chargers
Hortiz didn't outright say the door was closed on Samuel returning to the Chargers next season but his dance around the question said enough. Hortiz put the onus on Samuel, which says all he needs to say.
Samuel returning to the Chargers would have been a legitimate shock, so it is no surprise that Hortiz is essentially closing the door. The former second-round pick was placed on IR prior to Week 6 with an injury that Jim Harbaugh said suffered outside of practice.
Samuel, meanwhile, told reporters after the season he was dealing with the lingering effects of a stinger. The two stories didn't align, and this misalignment led many to believe that the two sides were done with each other.
The real question is how long Samuel remains unsigned and how much money he gets this offseason. In theory, Samuel should be able to get the $20 million that Kristian Fulton received from the Kansas City Chiefs.
While he has the talent to receive that kind of pay day, it is clear by the delay in his market that teams are peeved by how Samuel's 2024 season transpired. As a result, the promising cornerback will likely be forced to sign a one-year prove-it deal (likely with a contender).
Hopefully, that contender does not play in the AFC and this doesn't come back to bite the Chargers down the line in a big moment.