Philadelphia Eagles: Will Asante Samuel Get Traded?

We are nine days away from the NFL draft, and the teams are scheduling visits and workouts with numerous prospects in an attempt to get a clearer picture of the 2012 draft class. The Philadelphia Eagles have worked out more than ten players, clearly focusing on three positions: Defensive back, quarterback and defensive tackle.

It would be surprising if the Eagles draft anyone else than a defensive tackle in the first round. However, they don’t have obvious weaknesses at quarterback.

Mike Kafka and Trent Edwards might not be the best backup options for Philadelphia, but I don’t expect them to draft a quarterback early, unless it’s someone they think he can replace Michael Vick in the long term.

The “defensive back” situation, though, is a bit different. Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie are locked as starters, but the team’s depth at the position is not so comforting. Joselio Hanson is a good nickelback, and Asante Samuel… Well, he might not be around for too long.

Samuel does not appear to be in the Eagles’ plans for next season, since they already have two capable cornerbacks and Samuel’s cap hit is too high—about $10.5 million.

Additionally, Samuel comes from a bad season and he provided no help when used as a safety. So, he’s an expensive commodity and the Eagles do not intend to use him as a starter.

That said, the most reasonable move for the Eagles would be to trade Samuel. They will have more money available for spending and they will also get draft pick(s) or a player in return.

It doesn’t matter if they get a fourth-rounder or a lower pick, a starter or a backup player; trading Samuel away will allow them to re-sign McCoy on a long-term deal, which looks like their top priority, aside the NFL draft.