Falcons Acquire Cornerback Asante Samuel, Agree On New Contract
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Jim McIsaac/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — The Philadelphia Eagles had a surplus of cornerbacks and the Atlanta Falcons needed to upgrade their secondary, so the two were a match made in football heaven. According to ESPN, the Eagles have shipped cornerback Asante Samuel to the Falcons in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick.
As part of the trade, Samuel has restructured his contract, agreeing to a three-year, $18.5 million deal with Atlanta. Samuel was originally set to earn $9.9 million in 2012 and $11.4 million in 2013.
Samuel is one of league’s premier “ball hawks,” racking up 45 interceptions during his nine-year career with the Eagles as well as the New England Patriots. He is a four-time Pro Bowler who will team with fellow cornerback Brent Grimes, significantly improving the Falcons secondary.
The Eagles already have cornerbacks Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique-Rodgers Cromartie, so Samuel, along with his high salary, became expendable.
Last season, the Falcons ranked 20th in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game.
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