Former Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. has been medically cleared to return to the NFL, according to various reports. Samuel underwent spinal fusion surgery in April after being limited to four appearances in 2024 due to a stinger-like injury. He plans to make free agency visits as soon as this week.
Should the New York Jets consider joining the sweepstakes for Samuel?
It’s unclear whether or not Samuel is only interested in playing for postseason contenders. The Jets obviously aren’t that at 1-7, but they could provide him with a long-term opportunity. Sauce Gardner and Brandon Stephens are starting at boundary corner for the Jets. Jarvis Brownlee recently took over the nickel position. Cornerback Michael Carter II was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Chargers drafted Samuel during the second round of the 2021 NFL draft. The former Florida State standout has accumulated 176 tackles and six interceptions in 50 career NFL games to date. Samuel is a starting-caliber cornerback when healthy, so signing him in November is a rare opportunity.
The Jets’ interest in Samuel could depend on their long-term view of Stephens. He has occasionally struggled after signing a three-year, $36 million contract earlier in the offseason. If the Jets are thinking about parting ways with Stephens this coming offseason, then pursuing Samuel could make a lot of sense.
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