Asante Samuel: Philadelphia Eagles Reportedly Trying to Deal Pricey CB

According to an article from Philly.com's Jeff McLane, Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel is on the trading block.

Per McLane:

"

Despite a few potential obstacles, the Eagles will try to trade Asante Samuel before April's draft.

The cornerback is 31 and due to earn $9.5 million next season, so it's unlikely they'll get anything close to what they would have had last August in a near-complete swap with the Detroit Lions.

"

When the Eagles acquired Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie a year ago in exchange for Kevin Kolb, things got ugly fast in the Eagles defensive backfield. With the additions of DRC and Nnamdi Asomugha, the Eagles were stuck with a trio of Pro Bowl-caliber corners, all of whom excel in playing on the outside.

While Asomugha was a lock to start on the right side, Samuel and Rodgers-Cromartie battled for the left corner spot, and ultimately Samuel's seniority earned him the starting job.

Rodgers-Cromartie would play out of the slot, and he would do so ineffectively.

Now, with a full offseason to shuffle their roster, it appears the Eagles will try to dump Samuel and his hefty salary at any cost.

The question is, what will the Eagles be able to get in return for the aging and overpriced Samuel?

It would appear that the best-case scenario at this point would be to trade Samuel for a third-day draft pick, or perhaps several.

A combination of fourth- and fifth-round draft picks should get the job done, and it will relieve the Eagles of an unsightly contract that is complicating a defensive backfield that is full of potential.