The New Orleans Saints are actively considering Asante Samuel Jr. amid increasing trade interest from AFC East teams, as offseason moves continue to shape team rosters. The focus on securing talent in the cornerback position remains high, especially with training camp underway and the team’s defensive backfield in flux.

Rising Confidence in Saints’ Cornerback Developments

This season, the Saints’ cornerback group has experienced notable changes, though not all challenges. Kool-Aid McKinstry, entering his second <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL season, has impressed coaches and fans alike during training camp. Head coach Kellen Moore praised McKinstry’s growth, stating,

This has been a big-time camp for Kool-Aid. He has played phenomenal. His confidence every single day is evident, and he’s making a ton of plays. You can see his ability to transition in the coverage game is really, really good.

Such progress from McKinstry has somewhat eased the urgency for the Saints to add new cornerbacks immediately.

Asante Samuel Jr. Continues to Be a Priority Target

Despite internal improvements, the Saints have not abandoned the idea of acquiring veteran help. Asante Samuel Jr., a talented cornerback still available this offseason, has remained a constant figure in trade rumors. Samuel had previously visited New Orleans, but decisions have been postponed pending further medical evaluations expected later this summer. His unsigned status has sparked fresh speculation, especially with recent social media chatter suggesting a possible visit to the Miami Dolphins.

However, Barry Jackson from the Miami Herald clarified the situation, noting that,

Dolphins have kept in touch with Asante Samuel Jr.’s camp as due diligence,

and further adding,

Samuel Jr. has interest, but there has been no visit by Samuel to Dolphins headquarters, and he’s not there today and not scheduled for a visit. His agent declined to comment on whether he has medical clearance after his neck injury.

This reveals cautious interest from the Dolphins, but no immediate commitment or visit arranged.

Widening Competition for Samuel’s Services Among AFC East Teams

The intense pursuit of Asante Samuel Jr. underscores the competitive nature of roster building across the NFL, particularly within the AFC East. With teams like the Dolphins actively maintaining communication, the Saints face increased pressure to secure Samuel before rivals do. Although Samuel’s skill set could greatly strengthen any secondary, New Orleans may now approach the situation with more flexibility than earlier in the offseason, given McKinstry’s emergence and other roster developments.

As the preseason advances, the window for completing trades and free agent acquisitions narrows. The Saints and other teams interested in Samuel must navigate medical concerns, player readiness, and strategic fit before the start of the regular NFL season. The upcoming weeks will be pivotal in determining the final outcomes for Samuel and the franchises vying to add him to their defenses.