BradyManny

I figured this question would keep coming up throughout the season as he enters free agency.

Personally, its tough for me to decide just how good Asante Samuel is. There's been so many injuries and changes in the secondary over the last few years, that when it looks like Sameul has made a mistake, there's a fair chance maybe it's not his fault.

What do you guys think? How much will he go for in FA?

40yrpatsfan

I don't know what comp level he'll reach, but I would say he's been indispensable to the Patriots. For starters, when's the last time the guy's been hurt and missed a game? Compared to all our other db's, he's an iron man.

He's also a good tackler and an above average cover corner. I never understood the criticism of Assante.

I think the Pats will make a big effort to re-sign him.

dryheat44

He is a solid starting calibre cornerback. No more, no less. As the last poster said, he's been the most dependable CB we've had in years. I think we'll offer an extension, but if he gets to open market, somebody will offer more. The guy was only a fourth round pick, so he hasn't made much money yet in his career, relatively speaking. I imagine he'll follow the money.

__________________
When it's third and 10, you can have the milk drinkers and I'll take the whiskey drinkers every time. -- R.I.P. Max McGee

cstjohn17

As it stands now Hobbs is the only CB under contract beyond this year (The Patriots may have exclusive or restricted rights to Gay but he cannot be relied upon to stay healthy).

I would like to see the Pats sign Samuels, not because he is the top CB in the league but because he is better than average, knows the system and is reliable. If a playmaker (FA or Draft) is added to the core of Hobbs & Samuels we would have above average corners for the next 3-5 years.

Guess at the numbers 5 years 20.5M, with 3.5 upfront. Just a guess, but I would like to see them sign Samuels and then try to sign Koppen. Graham is good but TEs can be replaced and he may be priced out of their system, really he is a 1.5 not a #1 and better than a #2.

More background info...
- Not exactly the greatest FA season for CBs next year, once you get beyond Nate Clements the list is just a bunch of guys.
http://www.footballsfuture.com/2007/...eagentsDB.html
- Makes signing #22 more important (IMO)

Brownfan80

I agree, after a dip in my opinion of him last season where I thought he was awful (but they all were), this season he's evened back off. I think he's solid. If we can resign him for middle of the pack money, then good, but if he wants the big ticket I'm sure it'll come from elsewhere.

Digger44

Yes I agree, but it will not be the end of the world if he hits the road. We have those 2 first round picks to replace him.

fgssand

Good answers above - nice analysis by all.

My two cents:

Patriots know how good he really is, by studying coaches film and knowing who had which coverage and who was screwing up or making good plays.

Patriots will determine the value, make him a fair offer and hopefully he stays.

Just like Koppen & Graham (I really hope they all stay), but if they are looking for crazy money or some offers of crazy money come their way - see ya and thanks for everything.

Patriot model RULES!!!!!

PATSNUTme

I think that he is an average CB and should be paid as an average CB. He neither really good or really bad. Just solid. He does have good ball skills which the Patriots liked when they drafted him.

Even if we get lucky and sign a FA ringer and draft another, he would be valuable as a backup/nickle. I don't know what he pay scale is for an average corner right now.

PatsSox363804

They should (and will) make an effort to sign Samuel but as others have said he is an average corner and should be paid like one. If the Pats go deep into the playoffs this year again some team will probably overpay for him, and getting Graham signed should be priority over Samuel anyway.

in 12 we trust

I agree that he is average. He is not a shut down corner. He is the benefit of a good defensive scheme.