Samuel wants to stay a Patriot... - New England Patriots Forums

BadMoFo · 02-08-2008, 11:32 AM

but knows it will take a lot to keep him here.

Quote:

By Pat Bigold
Globe Correspondent / February 8, 2008
HONOLULU - Asante Samuel said "it's gonna take a lot" to keep him a Patriot.

But the 27-year-old unrestricted free agent cornerback, who has spent his five-year career in New England, added that on a scale of 1 to 10, he'd probably rate his chances of coming back a 10.

"The fans love me and I love them back," he said. "The organization loves me and, hopefully, we can work it out."

Samuel had six interceptions during the regular season and has 22 in his career. He's returned three for touchdowns.

"It's gonna take a lot to make me happy and my family happy," said the first-time Pro Bowler after an AFC practice session at Kapolei High Wednesday. Samuel is one of six Patriots who will play in the all-star game Sunday at Aloha Stadium.

Asked how much he thinks he's worth, Samuel threw the question back at his interviewer: "You take a guess and see if you can hit it. It's no secret I'm looking for a big, huge, blockbuster deal."

Samuel's agent, Alonzo Shavers, is also in Hawaii and said he won't begin talking with the Patriots until after the Pro Bowl.

Samuel, who made $7.79 million this season after being designated the team's franchise player and sitting out most of training camp, was the last Patriot to arrive in Hawaii. He flew in late Tuesday.

"I was just relaxing in Phoenix and getting squared away," he said.

Samuel had a chance to stop the Giants' winning drive in Sunday's Super Bowl when he got his hands on an errant pass by Eli Manning with 1:15 left.

The missed opportunity haunts him.

"I could have made the play and ended the game," he said. "I didn't see the replay yet, but I know it hit my fingertips. But the kind of player I want myself to be, I believe I should have had it."

If he had it to do over, "I think I would have jumped a little higher so it would have gone in the palm of my hand rather than my fingertips," Samuel said. "I probably misjudged it a little bit."

Asked if the Patriots' game plan was flawed in their 17-14 loss, Samuel was adamant.

"No, we basically just broke down and didn't make plays," he said. "I'm never gonna criticize my coaches about things you guys may have thought they did wrong. I thought it was a perfect game plan but we just didn't make the plays."

***BelichickFan*** · 02-08-2008, 11:34 AM

I'm sure he does - as long as we also offer him the most money. Bye Asante.

signbabybrady · 02-08-2008, 11:39 AM

I would not waive bye yet....

There is one big difference here that doesn't usually appear in these types of negotiations. Samuels realize the way he was treated was not personal and he still wants to stay. Most guys are P.O.ed by know and just want out.
So if we pony up he would chose to stay.

I doubt it works out but here is hoping that there is still a middle ground where we pay him enough to stay.

I am not waiving good bye to him just yet as he is a player in the prime of his carreer and the type of guy you want in your secondary.

BPF · 02-08-2008, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by signbabybrady

I would not waive bye yet....

There is one big difference here that doesn't usually appear in these types of negotiations. Samuels realize the way he was treated was not personal and he still wants to stay. Most guys are P.O.ed by know and just want out.
So if we pony up he would chose to stay.

I doubt it works out but here is hoping that there is still a middle ground where we pay him enough to stay.

I am not waiving good bye to him just yet as he is a player in the prime of his carreer and the type of guy you want in your secondary.

I agree. I think a long term deal can be worked out here. It's hard to find a top flight corner and we are better off using the #7 to make our team younger on D (maybe even trading down) not to replace Asante.

PATRIOTSFANINPA · 02-08-2008, 11:43 AM

If there is a corner the scouts see as a potential future great or a guy in FA that BB sees as a good fit then there won't be a discussion and Asante sees the door on the way out of New England.

QuinielaBox · 02-08-2008, 11:45 AM

Send Assante Samuel to Kansas City. Bring back Ty Law.

***BelichickFan*** · 02-08-2008, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPF

I agree. I think a long term deal can be worked out here. It's hard to find a top flight corner and we are better off using the #7 to make our team younger on D (maybe even trading down) not to replace Asante.

It would be PERFECT to re-sign him, draft a CB in the 2nd or 3rd round and use the #1 pick on a LB or RT or trade down. However, I don't think we'll get any discount from Samuel, I think we pay full price before FA or he gets on the market and I expect him to go. If we could get a total contact discount by giving him more guaranteed or in the bonus I'd be all over it as he's young enough and had been durable for a few years now; I don't expect it to happen though.

Caspir · 02-08-2008, 11:47 AM

Quote:

"It's gonna take a lot to make me happy and my family happy," said the first-time Pro Bowler after an AFC practice session at Kapolei High Wednesday. Samuel is one of six Patriots who will play in the all-star game Sunday at Aloha Stadium.

Asked how much he thinks he's worth, Samuel threw the question back at his interviewer: "You take a guess and see if you can hit it. It's no secret I'm looking for a big, huge, blockbuster deal."

Yea, okay kid. You think your chances of coming back are a ten, and this is your stance? Have a nice career.

pheenix11 · 02-08-2008, 11:54 AM

What do you think he wants and what the Pats will realistically offer him?

I'm guessing he wants more per year than his franchise figure and the Pats will offer less.

***mgteich*** · 02-08-2008, 12:05 PM

green and white