When it comes to the New Orleans Saints, outside cornerback isn't exactly top of the list for positions to address this season. Alontae Taylor, a key free agent, plays on the inside, so the immediate need isn't there. However, Pro Football Focus' Mason Cameron sees Asante Samuel Jr. as an ideal match for the Saints, despite the position not being a glaring need.
The main hesitation with Samuel is that he doesn't fill the potential gap left by Taylor's departure since Samuel is a boundary corner. While Cameron suggests Samuel could add depth, Samuel is likely aiming for a starting role.
Samuel's journey back from offseason neck surgery saw him play the last six games for the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he snagged an interception and earned a respectable PFF grade of 70.1. This performance should boost his confidence in free agency, but a Samuel-Saints pairing isn't straightforward.
Samuel has been linked to the Saints before, particularly last offseason. Timing was an issue then, as he wasn't ready to play until the season began. Had things been different, he might have worn the Saints' colors instead of the Steelers'.
The connection to the Saints remains strong, thanks to Brandon Staley's history with Samuel. Staley drafted him with the Chargers, and they enjoyed two solid seasons together. A reunion could reignite that spark.
However, Samuel didn't join the Saints previously because Quincy Riley had already taken a significant role in the defense. Riley's impressive rookie season means there's little reason for change.
For the Saints, targeting Samuel makes sense. The real question is whether Samuel wants to join a team where he might not start. Having depth at cornerback is always valuable due to the unpredictability of injuries, but Samuel's desire for a starting spot could be the deciding factor.