Price goes up on cornerback Samuel
As the Patriots shift their focus from on-field performance to off-field contractual issues, one of the main questions is the status of cornerback Asante Samuel. The four-year veteran, who intercepted 10 regular-season passes and also returned two for touchdowns in the playoffs, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent.
His agent, Alonzo Shavers, did not express optimism yesterday that the sides could strike a deal before free agency begins in early March. The sides last spoke in early October, before agreeing to table any further talks until the end of the season.
Since that time, Shavers believes Samuel's market value has increased.
"We were pretty close at one point; it was probably about the sixth or seventh game of season," he said. "But in deciding to wait, it was a gamble on everybody's part. I think they would have to redo some things to get him done at this point."
The Patriots do hold one trump card in the negotiation, as they could retain Samuel's rights by placing the franchise tag on him. The franchise tag for cornerbacks has not been set for 2007; it was $7.2 million this season.
As is the case with most players, Shavers said Samuel does not want to be restricted by the franchise tag.
"Disappointed would be an understatement," said the agent. "I think there would be a slight level of resentment there."
Samuel, who turned 26 this month, earned $721,600 this season. Cornerbacks entering their prime years often command hefty contracts on the open market, as evidenced by the Jaguars giving Brian Williams a $10 million signing bonus last offseason as part of a six-year, $32 million deal. Like Samuel, Williams was a fourth-round draft choice who had four years of experience when he reached unrestricted free agency.
If the Patriots and Samuel are to reach an agreement, it might take some massaging from the team to help soothe some hard feelings that Samuel has developed, according to Shavers. Samuel apparently felt stung that he was moved to right cornerback at one point in the preseason, because No. 1 corners usually play on the left side. Then, in the first game of the season, cornerback Ellis Hobbs was tapped to shadow Bills No. 1 receiver Lee Evans at all points on the field.
Samuel later was moved back to the left side -- where he put together his best professional season -- and it's quite possible the Patriots simply were building depth by working him on the right side in preseason.
Later in the year, Shavers also felt the Patriots didn't push hard enough to promote Samuel's Pro Bowl candidacy, "the type of little things that make a person feel appreciated."
On the flip side, the Patriots have seldom, if ever, promoted their players for Pro Bowl consideration.
Shavers said he'd be willing to discuss a contract with the Patriots, but such talks would have to be initiated by the club.
"The door is wide open, but the ball is in their court, not ours," he said. "We'll respond to what is put in front of us, to serious conversation. The time for feeling each other out is over."
Samuel is considered one of the top cornerbacks scheduled for unrestricted free agency, along with the Bills' Nate Clements.
