Carolina Panthers May Be Interested in Acquiring Asante Samuel from Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles stocked up their cornerback position by acquiring Dominique Rogers-Cromartie and Nnamdi Asomugha, leaving 2010 starter Asante Samuel as the possible odd man out.

It only makes since, as Philadelphia gave free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha a fairly large contract, leaving too much money spent on one position. However, Samuel isn't paid all that high; he has only around a $5 million salary this season, so there is a good chance he could stay.

It has been reported, however, that Samuel is on the trading block, and the Carolina Panthers could be interested, according to The Charlotte Observer.

"But Samuel's big contract would be a stumbling block in a potential trade with the Panthers, who committed more than $272 million last week to five of their core players, rookie quarterback Cam Newton and a couple of new additions," Joe Person writes for the Observer.

The Panthers' have already made a splash via trade, acquiring Greg Olsen from Chicago for a third-round pick in 2012.

Carolina is in need of a cornerback to start alongside Chris Gamble, as 2010 starter Richard Marshall signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals.

Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel, 30, would be an ideal fit for Carolina, who is in desperate need of a shutdown corner while Chris Gamble tries to recover from an off year in 2010.

The Carolina Panthers have already signed a couple former Eagles players, coming to agreements with safety Sean Considine and linebacker Omar Gaither, who both played under Sean McDermott during his tenure in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia is in need of a linebacker with Stewart Bradley agreeing to sign with the Arizona Cardinals, so the Panthers could send reserve linebacker Dan Connor and a draft pick over to Philadelphia in return for Samuel.

It wouldn't be a surprise if Carolina made this deal, as they have to cap room and need of a shutdown cornerback.

If the Panthers acquired Samuel, signed a veteran receiver, defensive linemen and quarterback to help mentor Cam Newton and Jimmy Clausen, we may be in for a surprise 2011 Carolina Panthers team.