Philadelphia Eagles: Asante Samuel on the Trade Block, Giants May Have Interest

With the ACL injury to Terrell Thomas, the New York Giants won't be trading him for Asante Samuel, and Osi Umenyiora is not on the table. 

While the Philadelphia Eagles are deep in talent at cornerback, the Giants will be looking for a free agent to fill that role.  

Though the Giants have the need, they are weighing options and obviously don't feel their need is great enough to make sacrifices at other positions or give opposing teams an advantage. 

Likewise, the Eagles feel like Samuel is a great bargaining chip and won't let him go for just anyone. 

While Samuel isn't a new first- or second-round draft pick, he is still one of the best cover corners in the NFL.  Coming off a season in which he hauled in seven interceptions, the 30-year-old is still making plays and is on a very short list of effective pro cornerbacks. 

The season prior, he managed nine interceptions, a feat that would be difficult for any rookie cornerback that might replace him.  He was a Pro-Bowl selection from 2007-2010 and has two Super Bowl rings with the Patriots. 

Philadelphia knows they have the upper hand and will only release Samuel if the price is right. 

Though his salary is high, it would be a poor business decision to let him go in exchange for lesser talent.

Meanwhile, the Giants will be relying on CB Aaron Ross to fill Thomas' shoes with Michael Coe and Samuel's fellow UCF alum Joe Burnett in reserve. 

While Thomas' injury is a blow to the Giants defense, there is enough talent in their defensive backfield to survive the season. 

For now, we'll wait patiently to see what Philly's next move is and how the Giants fare through the season.