Asante Samuel: 5 Possible Trade Destinations

Asante Samuel has been one of the elite cornerbacks in the league since being drafted 120th overall by the New England Patriots in 2003.

In his five years in Foxborough, he racked up 22 interceptions and 232 tackles before jetting to Philadelphia, where he was able to pull down 20 interceptions and made 101 tackles in three years.

Now, with the new additions of free agent DB Nnamdi Asomugha and the trade that sent Kevin Kolb to Arizona and in return brought in Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Samuel is left looking like the odd man out in Philly.

Here are five teams I think could benefit from his services

Houston Texans

In 2010, the Houston Texans had the worst passing defense in the NFL, allowing a league-worst 267.5 yards per game. The team allowed 26.7 points per game last season, which was fourth worst in the league.

The team already added CB Johnathan Joseph to bolster their defense this offseason, and adding Samuel across the field from him could give the Texans a tough pass defense in a division were they must face Peyton Manning twice a year.

With the Texans' already explosive offense, Samuel would help give this team the defensive boost to make the Texans a legit contender in the AFC.

Arizona Cardinals

As I mentioned earlier, the Cardinals already traded for the Eagles young quarterback Kevin Kolb. But they sent Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to Philly in return, losing arguably their best defensive player.

So what's a better way to replace him than to make another deal with the Eagles involving Samuel. It might be a long shot, but it can be done, with Arizona allowing 228.4 yards per game through the air in 2010 and looking no better without their top pass defender.

They did add Richard Marshall, but Samuel would immediately fill the void left behind from DRC and could possibly improve the defense more than when Rodgers-Cromartie was their No. 1 pass defender.

Dallas Cowboys

I know what you're thinking...No Freaking Way!!!! The Eagles would never dream of trading one of their top players to one of their hated rivals, especially the Cowboys.

But the Eagles are the same team that sent Donovan McNabb to another rival, the Washington Redskins.

On the other side of things, the Cowboys pass defense was anything but spectacular last season, and after losing out on Asomugha, they would love to obtain Samuel.

In probably the toughest division in football, Samuel would boost the defense that has to worry about Michael Vick and Eli Manning two times a year.

Tennessee Titans

Despite the fact that Tennessee had Cortland Finnegan as their No. 1 cornerback, they allowed 252 passing yards per game. Only three teams did worse than the Titans at defending the pass last year.

But you have to forgive them seeing as they faced Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub two times a piece last season, as well as Tony Romo, Michael Vick, Eli Manning, Donovan McNabb and Philip Rivers.

Now in 2011, their schedule still boasts a bevy of top QBs, and if they want to compete within their division, they must address the defensive issues plaguing this team. And what better way than to acquire Samuel from the Eagles.

He, along with Finnegan, would have the potential to shut down those elite passers and give the Titans a better chance of winning.

Philedelphia Eagles

One team that would love to have Asante Samuel is the team that currently employs the DB.

With the loads of acquisitions the Eagles have made this offseason, it seems they are in the mindset to win now. And with the three options at cornerback (Samuel, Asomugha, and DRC), the Eagles could just have the toughest shut-down pass defense in the NFL.

It is also possible they try one of their cornerbacks out as a safety in order to keep the three on the field at once.

Either way, the Eagles would be the most feared team in the league and a good bet for the big game in February.