Report: Asante Samuel Trade Discussed by Eagles and Falcons

It appears that it's become a matter of when, not if, the Philadelphia Eagles will trade talented cornerback Asante Samuel.  

And as of Tuesday morning, a new potential landing spot for the 31-year-old has emerged: Atlanta.

According to Fox Sports NFL Insider Jay Glazer, the Eagles and Falcons have had discussions about a trade for Samuel, who has two years left on the six-year pact he signed with Philadelphia during the 2008 offseason.

The Eagles are attempting to unload Samuel because of his hefty contract (roughly $21 million remains on the deal, although none of it is guaranteed) and financial overload at the position, having already committed big money to Nnamdi Asomugha last offseason and preparing to pay Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie after this season.

Multiple teams have appeared interested in Samuel, including the Denver Broncos in recent days.

The asking price remains unclear, but given Philadelphia's desire to move on from the four-time Pro Bowler, it's likely no more than a mid-round draft choice.

The Falcons ranked 20th in passing yards allowed last season, and franchised cornerback Brent Grimes this offseason (he has yet to sign his tender). They also have veteran Dunta Robinson around as a starter, but Samuel would be an upgrade to a team that plays in a division with three other teams that are heavily invested in the passing game.

Atlanta GM Thomas Dimitroff is particularly familiar with Samuel's game, as he was a member of the Patriots' personnel staff when Samuel was selected in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft out of Central Florida.