Packers have one secret weapon that could help them win the battle for Asante Samuel
Talented cornerback is going on a free agent tour, and the Packers are trying to convince him they are the best option.
The Green Bay Packers officially hosted cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. on a free agent visit Thursday, as it was reported on the NFL’s personnel notes of the day. But that doesn’t mean the Packers will sign the top option in the market at the premium position.
Recovered from a neck injury, Samuel is going on a free agent tour. He visited the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, and the battle will also include the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and Pittsburgh Steelers — maybe others could join the party.
However, the Packers do have a potential difference-maker: Passing game coordinator Derrick Ansley.
Derrick Ansley has a long relationship with Asante Samuel Jr.
When the Los Angeles Chargers drafted Samuel Jr. in the second round back in 2021, Derrick Ansley was the team’s defensive backs coach. In 2023, he was promoted to defensive coordinator. So of the four years Samuel played for the Chargers, he worked directly with Ansley for three.
Since last year, Ansley has been the Packers’ passing game coordinator, working closely under defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Ansley and Samuel had a close relationship, and the coach used to praise the cornerback’s attitude.
“Resilience. Toughness. Short-term memory. Competitive character. All the things that make a corner unique that you have to have in the National Football League, he has those intangibles,” Ansley said about Samuel back in 2022, via the Chargers official website. “He wants to be great, doesn’t blink in adversity, the pressure doesn’t get to him – he actually thrives in it.”
Samuel Jr. wants to rebuild his value, and that’s why immediate playing time is key to his plans. The Packers can offer him that, especially after Nate Hobbs’ knee injury. Ansley could help that transition and connect Samuel to Hafley’s scheme.
“He’s kind of got that same personality as Derwin [James]. They’re very competitive at heart, but he’s kind of a punch-the-clock-workman-type guy, that goes about his business like a 10-year vet,” Ansley had said. “Most of the time in the meeting rooms, you wouldn’t know he was in there because he’s locked in, doesn’t say much, absorbing everything you say. As his position coach, if you tell him something one time, it’s very rare that a rookie can get it and understand it. He brought that in Day 1.”
Last year, Samuel played in only four games, but he was solid in coverage during those — he allowed an 87.3 passer rating when targeted, the best number of his NFL career. If the cornerback is truly healthy, he could become a huge boost for the Packers’ defense — in a much-needed spot.
This article was originally published on A to Z Sports Green Bay, as “Packers have one secret weapon that could help them win the battle for Asante Samuel.”
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