Asante Samuel: 5 Reasons Why the Detroit Lions Should Trade for CB

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The acquisitions of Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie by the Philadelphia Eagles suddenly make 2010 Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel expendable.

With the list of optimal free agent cornerbacks quickly dissipating, the Detroit Lions have yet to make a significant addition to their secondary.

With former free-agent cornerback targets Jonathan Joseph, Chris Carr, and Richard Marshall all signing new contracts, Detroit would have to levy a trade to acquire any significant talent.

Will Detroit make a push for one of the league's preeminent cornerback talents?

That remains to be seen.

Here are five reasons that Detroit should propose a trade for Samuel.

Super Bowl Champion Experience

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Asante Samuel is of a winning pedigree, and in only eight seasons in the National Football League has already won two Super Bowls.

Samuel played a significant role for the perennial Super Bowl contender New England Patriots defenses for five seasons.

Detroit’s acquisition of a player of Samuel’s experience would be considered one of the league's biggest offseason acquisitions.

Shutdown Cornerback

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At an undersized 5’10" and 185 pounds, Asante packs a pop.

Samuel has shown an acute ability to flourish in both man and zone coverages for both the Eagles and Patriots.

His aggressive style allows him the ability to take chances, resulting in his inflated interception numbers.

Samuel is continuously placed on opposing teams' best wideouts, and more often than not that receiver is shut down.   

Legitimate Ball Hawk

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In only three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Samuel has recorded 20 interceptions, 52 pass deflections, and one touchdown.

In terms of cornerbacks, only Nnamdi Asomugha and Darrelle Revis rival Samuel's ball skills. 

Exceptional Game Speed and Awareness

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Samuel runs a 4.49 40-yards dash, a number that doesn’t necessarily translate to his on-field speed.

His combination of decisive closing speed and an unparalleled level of awareness allows Samuel to stick with just about any player in the league.

Experience working with teammates LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson has certainly assisted Samuel's ability to read and react to some of the league's quickest offensive threats.

Pass-Heavy Schedule in 2011

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Here is the list of quarterbacks Detroit will face in 2011: Aaron Rodgers (twice), Donovan McNabb (twice), Jay Cutler (twice), Drew Brees, Josh Freeman, Tony Romo, Matt Ryan, and Philip Rivers.

A couple of those quarterbacks will go down as some of the best of all time.

I’m not even going to mention some of the receivers that those quarterbacks have. (Or am I? Roddy White, Greg Jennings, Marques Colston, Dez Bryant, Miles Austin)

Out of those quarterbacks, there are two Super Bowl championships and a significant number of Pro Bowl selections. 

It would behoove of the Detroit Lions to acquire a cornerback of Samuel’s caliber.