The NFL operates as a business. Regardless of how young or gifted you are, remaining on the field and maintaining a roster spot is always far from a certainty. That is the circumstance LA Chargers free agent Asante Samuel Jr. finds himself in ahead of the 2025 season.
The Miami Dolphins were seen as a potential landing spot for Asante Samuel Jr. after trading their three-time All-Pro corner Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
That potential didn't last long, as the very same trade prompted an emotional response from Asante Samuel Sr. The former All-Pro cornerback launched a sweeping attack on the Dolphins leadership and their decision to trade Ramsey.
Asante Samuel Sr. labeled head coach Mike McDaniel a pushover and claimed general manager Chris Grier “has no backbone.” Samuel Sr. went on to say “The Dolphins are running this team like a little-league team.” It was an unnerved, uncensored rant—one that, irrespective of how fair it is, could influence how teams regard his son, Asante Samuel Jr. in terms of media baggage and locker room presence.
After these comments from his father, a signing in Miami seems highly unlikely for Asante Samuel Jr.
Asante Samuel Jr's odds of joining the Dolphins now seem slim
In 2023, Samuel Jr. played a full 17-game season with the Chargers', with 63 tackles, 13 passes defended, and 2 interceptions earning a PFF overall grade of 75.6. Finishing this season, the Chargers' seemed to have a legitimate defensive star in the making, so what happened?
A shoulder injury in 2024 ended his season after he had appeared in only four games. Samuel Jr. registered 13 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 0 interceptions , could the limited time on the field in 2024 have weakened his position entering an already crowded open market?
Samuel Jr. had more than just injuries go on in 2024, there was persistent controversy with Samuel Jr.'s name surrounding it. Many believe there was a divide between him and the Chargers' organization. For weeks during the 2024 season, Jim Harbaugh was bombarded with questions regarding the health of Asante Samuel Jr.
On October 12th, 2024 after the Chargers' bye week, they placed Samuel Jr. on IR.
Even though Samuel could have come back as early as Week 10, head coach Jim Harbaugh continued to keep him sidelined, and gave no definitive timeline for his return. More headlines sparked conversation when Samuel Jr. shared an Instagram post, inciting a disconnect between himself and the team.
Everyone can agree that the talent is still present. Samuel Jr. has the natural instincts, agile feet, and sure hands to be a contributor, particularly in scheme—heavy designs that emphasize man coverage. Recovering from his injury, contending with the buzz over his free agent status, and trying to make his comeback have combined to make the road back difficult.
At the moment, Samuel Jr. is expected to find himself on an NFL roster before the season starts. Should he remain healthy and perform at the level he's able to, he should claim a spot on a 53-man roster.