The Philadelphia Eagles’ offseason is anything but quiet these days. Gone are the times when the end of the Super Bowl signaled a lull in football chatter. From the NFL Combine’s rise to must-see TV to the frenzy of Pro Days, Top-30 Visits, and the NFL Draft in late April, the Eagles’ faithful are kept busy. Rookie minicamps, OTAs, and mandatory minicamps follow, leading into a brief pause before training camp kicks off on July 22. This year, the conversation is heating up early, with the Eagles’ cornerback depth chart taking center stage.
One name generating buzz is Jaire Alexander, recently released by the Green Bay Packers. The Eagles have been frequently mentioned as a potential landing spot for the talented but injury-prone cornerback. Alexander could fill the void left by the departures of Darius Slay, Isaiah Rodgers, and Avonte Maddox in free agency. However, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has thrown another intriguing name into the mix: Asante Samuel Jr., a free-agent cornerback with a familiar last name.
Asante Samuel Sr. was a fan favorite in Philadelphia from 2008 to 2011, earning Second-Team All-Pro honors in 2009 after leading the NFL in interceptions and securing three Pro Bowl nods during his tenure. His son, Asante Samuel Jr., could follow in his footsteps, bringing a touch of nostalgia to the Eagles’ secondary. Recently placed on the Los Angeles Chargers’ injured reserve due to a shoulder injury in October and recovering from a neck issue, Samuel Jr. isn’t without concerns. Fowler noted that he lacks elite long speed, but his potential fit in Philadelphia’s defense makes him an intriguing option.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently mentioned Asante Samuel as someone who might intrigue the Eagles via @975TheFanatic pic.twitter.com/OqF0KHNVSK
— Geoffrey A Knox ‘GQ’ (@GQ_4_Eva) June 16, 2025
The Eagles’ cornerback room is already stacked with young talent. Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean have locked down starting roles as an outside corner and slot corner, respectively. The battle for the other outside corner spot is expected to feature Kelee Ringo and newly-acquired Adoree’ Jackson. Adding a player like Alexander or Samuel Jr. could shake up this competition, but it also underscores Philadelphia’s commitment to building depth at the position.
The Eagles have already shown a willingness to invest in legacy names, selecting Jeremiah Trotter Jr., son of franchise legend Jeremiah Trotter, in the 2024 NFL Draft. Could Asante Samuel Jr. be next? Like Trotter Jr., Samuel wouldn’t be handed a starting role—he’d have to earn it. However, his addition would bolster an already talented group of defensive backs. Even if Samuel ends up as the fifth or sixth cornerback on the depth chart, his presence would signal that Philadelphia’s secondary is as deep and competitive as any in the league.
While the idea of signing Samuel Jr. may not ignite immediate fireworks, it’s a move that could quietly pay dividends. If the Eagles can turn a familiar name into a key contributor, it might just prove to be their smartest pickup yet.