So long Asante
The Philadelphia Eagles have signed free-agent cornerback and former Patriot Asante Samuel to a six-year deal, reportedly worth up to $60 million.
Samuel, an All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection this past season, spent the last five seasons with the New England Patriots and had 16 interceptions the last two seasons. Samuel and his agent, Alonzo Shavers, wasted no time, striking a deal on the very first day of free agency and electing not to visit with any teams other than Philadelphia.
Samuel's best game of the 2007 season came against his new team, as he intercepted two passes in the Patriots' 31-28 win over the Eagles at Gillette Stadium last November. He scored his only touchdown of the season, intercepting an A.J. Feely pass on the third play from scrimmage and returning it 40 yards for a score -- his sixth career touchdown, including the playoffs -- and sealed the game with a fourth-quarter interception of Feely.
Samuel leaves New England ranked 10th on the team's all-time interceptions list (regular-season only) with 22 -- matching his jersey number with the Patriots and his new one with the Eagles as well -- in 75 games. Samuel, who won two Super Bowl rings, has 22 career interceptions.
Samuel tied Denver's Champ Bailey for the NFL lead with 10 interceptions in 2006 and returned two more picks for touchdowns in the postseason against the Jets and Colts. His 12 total interceptions in the 2006 regular season and playoffs were the highest combined single-season total in Patriots history.
He was protected by the Patriots last year by the franchise player tag.
"We regarded Asante as the No. 1 available free agent in the NFL," Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said.
The Eagles badly needed a shutdown corner like Samuel. Philadelphia had only 11 interceptions last year and failed to score a defensive touchdown. Its defense had an NFL-worst 19 takeaways.
"I just want a chance to be able to win and get back to the Super Bowl," Samuel said.
The move means the Eagles will likely trade or shift positions for either Lito Sheppard or Sheldon Brown.
Sheppard, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, is reportedly unhappy with his contract. The Eagles denied a report earlier this month that Sheppard had asked for or been given permission to seek a trade. He signed a five-year extension in November 2004.
Eagles coach Andy Reid said Samuel will be the starting left cornerback, or, what was Sheppard's starting job.
"When you have an opportunity to get the best one in the business, then you need to look at that," Reid said.
Samuel hoped Sheppard and Brown would be on the roster and felt the trio could give the Eagles perhaps the best secondary in the NFL.
When asked if he felt underappreciated in New England, Samuel declined to comment.
He said the Eagles were on the top of a list of four teams he considered visiting. After the Eagles gave him a hard sell on the first day free agents could sign, Samuel decided to stay in Philly.
"When you come to one that makes you happy, why wait around?" Samuel said.
Samuel is the latest in a line of former New England Super Bowl winners who have moved on, joining Deion Branch, Adam Vinatieri, David Givens and Daniel Graham.
Material from The Associated Press was used in this update
Bye Bye Drop the most important pass of your career. He's not worth 10 million a year & will show outside of the Pats defensve scheme, he is average CB.The fans at the Linc will rue the day.
woohoo!! thanks for being cheap New England!!
the slope only gets more slippy from here, lmfao!!!!
E-A-G-L-E-S, EAGLES!!!
Knowing the education system in Boston, I just did all of you favor, so you're welcome...
Just a little advice for Asante as heads out to Philly......next time you're in the Super Bowl with the game on the line and the ball is thrown in your direction.....CATCH IT!!!!!
I just hopes he drops a sure interception against the Pats one day. Tell Philly you get what you pay for.
Let me be the first to say Goodbye Assante. I will miss your presence in the secondary but truth be told you played soft most of the time. That doens't mean I didnt want you signed by the Pats, but i was tired of watching lesser known receivers catch passes in front of you. You played excellent in zone, not so well in man and im guessing you might have to man up against Plaxico, Owens, and Moss twice a year which should be downright comical.
Let me be the first to say Goodbye Assante. I will miss your presence in the secondary but truth be told you played soft most of the time. That doens't mean I didnt want you signed by the Pats, but i was tired of watching lesser known receivers catch passes in front of you. You played excellent in zone, not so well in man and im guessing you might have to man up against Plaxico, Owens, and Moss twice a year which should be downright comical.
Sorry he's gone, but even at his best he doesn't deserve "greatest' [$] status. Good for him to get big bucks, but just like past Patriot stars he will soon discover that TEAM makes you better. Lets see how he does next year.
Sorry he's gone, but even at his best he doesn't deserve "greatest' [$] status. Good for him to get big bucks, but just like past Patriot stars he will soon discover that TEAM makes you better. Lets see how he does next year.
Good Ridance!!!! The money man goes with the money. Mr. Greed!!
Finally!!!!! Good riddens to that overpriced egotistical corner who cant catch a GIFT from Eli to clinch an undefeated season... I was hoping he went to Miami to play on a losing team and to face Tom Brady twice a year. ..oh well, Philly wont see the playoffs for a while. Asante can now buy a REALLY nice set of clubs because he will be needing them a lot on his vacations in January.
"Get Paid"!! It's all about the money with you Asante. Good luck getting back to the Super Bowl with that team.
Who cares, he is the new Bill Buckner.....should have ended the Super Bowl with an interception but was to worried about looking pretty........OVERRATED.......this is why the Eagles suck, overpaying for stiffs....good riddance.
They can HAVE him. If he could wrap his hands around a ball that was practically thrown directly AT HIM... (never mind!)
Bye, bye Asante. You should have caught that interception in the Super Bowl. Another former Pats player who will disappear into obscurity.
So long - thanks for the memories - you were a pretty good player - just wished you could have caught the biggest pass of your life that hit you off your hands in the superbowl to get 1 more ring. Doesn't seem like you mind that though.
$60 million for this guy is a waste of money. He is not a shut down guy and you can throw on him with some success. That's not to say that he can't play but he's not even the 5th best CB in the NFL.
The Pats will be hurt by this but if they don't get their pass rush handled then I don't care how good the DBs are since the NFL is slanted so heavily towards the WRs. Get the pass rush fixed and you can hide some of the secondary flaws.
Good riddance
adios. i think i speak for patriots fans nationwide that we'll be glad to see him go. i am convinced his best years are behind him.
don't think this is too big a loss for the pats. look at their history of free agents that have left the team, they don't do so hot with the exception of greg spires who had a few decent seasons. more maurice hurst than ty law in my opinion. the pats will be fine.
Good Luck A$ante.....like the rest: you'll never be as good as you were when you played here...........
So Long SUCKA!
"No comment."
You walk away from a team that gave you a couple of rings and a name for yourself, and then have the stones to say something that classless. Have fun in obscurity. It'll be fun watching the fans turn on you the first time someone runs through one of your arm tackles, or you try to showboat a pick when you could just knock the ball down and it results in your team losing the game.... kind of like this past Superbowl. "Overrated" should be an eight syllable word when talking about this guy.
"I just want a chance to be able to win and get back to the Super Bowl"
Ummm... just wanted... yeah right. So long Zant.
--"I just want a chance to be able to win and get back to the Super Bowl," Samuel said.--
Um, and you went to the Eagles for that? Yeah, right! Their uniforms aren't the only green things on your mind. Enjoy the rest of your career in oblivion. Ugh, they never learn.
who cares, remember Law, Milloy, McGinist. the braintrust will prevail
Bye bye, Asante. Have fun with "Get Paid" in Philly, I wish him the best, but wonder if he will fizzle like the rest of the "ex-Pats."
I thought Asante had more class and integrity than that! If he just want to win and get back to the superbowl then stay with the Patriots. It's about the money, admit it ! The eagles offered you more money. I ain't mad at you for taking the money, but don't pretend you signed with the eagles because they give you the best chance to win and getting back to the superbowl. The Patriots drafted you and gave you an opportunity to compete, play and excel at the highest level the N.F.L. I believe Asante Samuel as a professional football player with the Patriots competed in the playoffs every year of his 5 year career so far and in 3 superbowls winning two of them against the Panthers and his new team the Eagles.
OK, so who do we replace him with? Those hands are dangerous... sometimes. He leaves us with the parting memory of that interception-that-almost-was, a.k.a. the 4-in-7-that-almost-was. Be great if Pats and Eagles met in the SB, but I don't think the Pats will make it there next season. We've been one or two plays short of another championship for two years now. And are the Pats planning to put the franchise tag on anyone?
Don't let the 'dropped pass' and a chance for history hit your A** on the way out.
Choker!
I do not know what the PATS are doing???? ... they have major cap problems ... no linebackers, no corners , no strong safeties ... the JETS are going to put a dent in their Eastern conference reign ... FELGER there ship has really sailed ....
I now feel bad for Ty Law in his prime. He should have been paid like Assante because he was the best corner in the league. Assante is on a lower level as shown this year and I am happy he is gone. Better to use that money to keep Randy.
Take a hike, ASSante. Have a Philly cheese steak and choke on it, just like you choked on that Super Bowl interception from Eli.
ASSante "BillyBuck" Samuel. A poor man's Deion Sanders. Good instincts. Soft as putty. Not even close to being worth $60 mil.
i love how patriots fans turned on him in 1 day ...... what a bunch of loseres and nice way to choke in the superbowl losers
You blew it..you blew a chance at history. I'll always remember you for that. You had THAT chance to be a legend in this town, no matter what. One chance to make it happen and you couldn't pull it down. You disapointed millions..
A tribute to the Pats system: 1) get drafted and play team ball 2) do well in a TEAM system 3) get big money from another team that promotes the Star system (because your team made you look like you are a star) and become---4) rich and mediocre. Will other teams ever learn? I hope not. Join the long list Asante.
I think you all are clouding the real story here with your personal feelings for the Pats losing this year. It was tough to watch, believe me, but one play does not define this guys career. 22 INTs defines his career. The Eagles paid what they had to to get a corner, thats that. They will probably let him go in 3 years. Yes, the Pats have the best history of letting guys go that aren't good. At the same time, the Eagles have that same history and also are pretty smart spending money like us. They had a down year with McNabb at 50%, I dont think you can say they aren't contenders if they add a few more pieces and kudos to them for a good start. I think they will probably end with a WR, a DE, a FB, and probably a solid draft. This team is legit and has been for 5 years. They're not us, but who is. Go PATS!
Two Good Years and he cashes in, no surpise:
Good luck dealing with Philly and their headcase of a QB and going to the division with the mad scientist Jerry Jones:
Bad Decision: Greedy Man
if assante thinks signing with the eagles gives him a better chance of getting to the superbowl again, he's sadly mistaken.
For a guy that always talked about GETTIN PAID like a big play guy he didnt make the big play when we needed it most.He was very good but always went for the big play and got burnt gambling ALOT..See Ya
Asante never seemed like a True Patriot. It was always about the money.
He never even seemed to care that he dropped the biggest pass of his life.
He had other things on his mind. Benjamins.
Hey Asante! Just think, you make that interception in the superbowl and you get EVEN MORE money! Good luck maybe you will get back to the big show sometime! (after you retire)
It's all phony money, these NFL contracts. They can cut you no strings attached whenever they feel like it. Hope he got a big up front bonus payout. When the Eagles discover that he really sucks, they'll be cutting his A real soon.
"I just want a chance to be able to win and get back to the Super Bowl," Samuel said.
biggest lie I've seen all year and I've been watching a lot of politics this year
Let's fact it folks. We are talking about professional sports here. That means getting paid. Of course he went elsewhere for the money. Would you stay in New England for substantially less or go to Philly for a lot more? I don't know about you but I would be in that LONG line!!! Will he be successful? Not football wise but certainly money-wise. He is not as good as he thinks he is and that will show itself over the next few years. He played fairly well for NE but was not the best in his field. Unfortunately that last missed interception is what people will remember. All those people who are getting on his case for that should look at the game again and see the NE offensive line getting picked apart. That's what lost NE the game, not one missed interception, though he did blow that play for sure.
Asante, Congrats! I work with a few Igles fans and they are thrilled with your signing. But keep in mind they have been known to chuck a few snow balls at those that don't earn their keep. Just ask Santa.
C-YA LOSER! Go get your money.
Can't buy back the BIGGEST Drop in Super Bowl History.
Does this mean we can have Lito Shepherd??? I'll take that trade off any day!!!
the Pats do not have major cap problems. They actually are $20M under the cap. They place value on certain positions and CB was not worth $10M cap slot. Its a shame, I like Assante. I dont sweat his "no comment". He just signed a huge deal and I think he didnt want to sound sour about the Pats. We all knew he wasnt coming back. The Eagles offer him a chance at getting back to the bowl. Heck, so dont the Dolphins. Every team has a shot at the beginning. I for one am wondering who we will have on defense but there are teams with serious cap issues that will release some big names. We wont see a CB like Assante, but we drafted the guy in the 4th round. Im telling you know, there is a CB that the Pats have that played great before he got hurt. Id like to see Richardson play. He is a more physical corner with hands.
Glad to see you gone I was getting sick of the ME ME ME what about ME. you got paid. But you should have got smart. The Eagles will be lucky to make 3rd place in that division
I just have to say, a lot of you Pats fans seem really angry that Asante left, considering that he is sooo overrated and we overpay people (btw, thats the first. i have never before heard taht the Eagles overpay). Or maybe you guys are just angry because you have no secondary anymore and your 4th string/special teams CB would be the starter, or perhaps you are angry thatand HGH Rodney H(GH)arrison can't stop a 4th string reciever from catching a ball. then again you might be angry that your starting recievers next year might be Wes Welker, who cannot be effective on the outside, and Jabar Gaffney.
Call me crazy but, y'all are gonna miss Asante when we march home the Lombardi trophy next year
Can you say Asante Kearse. Another average player made to look like a star thanks to the Pats. Maybe he has some rule infraction info to share with
philly. More power to him. I'd do the same thing. Red Sox 8 Twins 3
I thought Assante was a very good system corner. I am happy for him to get his payday, as I am sure he worked very hard in is life to get to thids point. But as far as saying he just wants a chance to get to another Superbowl lets be realistic he went for the money he is never going to a Superbowl with that sorry excuse for a franchise Philly, especially with Mr. Nausea at QB. The only way for him to get to another SB is for a friend on the Pats to give him a ticket. Tell Assante to ask Ty Law how close to any SB's he came after leaving NE. I dont care that he wanted to get paid, but be honest about it.
Philly must be high. Sign Asante Samuel for $60 million and then trade or cut Lito Sheppard because he wants more money??? IMO, those two guys are the SAME FRICKIN' PLAYER!
The key to Asante doing well in Philly is the Eagles getting back to pressuring the passer. If they get pressure Samuel will do as well as Sheppard would have. Question is, can they get enough value for Sheppard in a trade to make the Samuel signing worthwhile.
Time will tell
I agree with most of the Posts. He not only could have saved the season by catching the pass, if you remember he was also the coverage man on the previous touchdown pass in the endzone. His grimacing and expressions after an interception were also becoming pretty annoying.
Wow, ya all are still pretty bitter about that SB loss. One dropped pass and he's a bum?
Hey " unbelievablebile," You mean the way Samuel chocked in the Super Bowl by not catching a game ending ball thrown right at him right? You now why he left? He left because after that choke he knew he couldn't play here any more.
it is a shame that just because he don't play for the patriots anymore people can just start acting like little kids and bad mouthing him just like that in 5 seconds flat. he don't play for the patriots get over it, don't down play him it wasn't his choice to become a free agent. if anybody is to blame it's the team because as far as i know he's not the only patriot looking for a new team the patriots have a lot of unrestricted free agents keywords UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT. if you can turn on somebody just like that because they play for a different team than you wasn't a fan to began with. I mean come on "fans" of the new england patriots asante samuels is gone and randy moss will probably be the next one to go what are ya'll gonna do then? turn on him to and down paly him like ya'll did asante samuel ya'll really need to just GROW THE HELL UP AND STOP ACTING LIKE BABIES AND LITTLE KIDS
This joker is way overrated and not a team player. He is in it all for himself which is not the Patriot way but is the Eagle way. He will fall into obscurity just like all the other selfish bums who left New England. All these other bums are has beens who will never see another ring like Law, Branch, Givens, Malloy,. etc. -- all these me first selfish players may get more money from another team but will never be champions. The Patriots do not need these egomaniacs
ok i was watching assante's news conference and did he say he wanted a chance to win a superbowl? please just say u wanted the money cause the patriots r constantly contenting for one. if u would make that last pick in the sb u would of been able to get that really big contract. oh randy moss leaving? hey if there is one team that can absorb a loss and remain competitive is the new england patriots unlike a team like eagles after TO left.
Asante we will miss you. Your value was shown all year long as teams threw away from you constantly. The NFL system forces players to go for the money because their careers can be so short. Look at David Givens, got the money and played 5 games before a career ending injury. Three operations and 2 years later and he is out of the league. If you have the chance you have to go for the money.
He didn't go there for the money he went for the culture they got a lot of culture there.
ahahahhah patriot fans.. just jealous..
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