Training camp is nearing, and with a few more weeks of dead time during the quietest part of the NFL offseason, Chargers Wire is endeavoring to document each of Los Angeles’ players before it kicks off.
Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. is entering the third season of his NFL career.
Samuel served as the outside corner opposite Michael Davis after J.C. Jackson tore the patellar tendon in his right knee in Week 7 last season. It was an up-and-down campaign for Samuel, as he allowed six touchdowns and struggled as a run defender.
Samuel finished the 2022 season with 57 tackles, one tackle for loss, two interceptions, including three in the Wild Card game against the Jaguars, a fumble recovery and 11 passes defended.
With Jackson still working his way back to full health, Samuel should see time as the starter. But once Jackson returns, he would presumably replace Samuel. Samuel could move back in the slot and rotate with Ja’Sir Taylor depending on the matchups and packages on a week-to-week basis.
Contract: Samuel signed a 4-year, $7,222,946 contract, with a $2,613,052 signing bonus, $3,601,368 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $1,805,737.
Acquired: The Chargers drafted Samuel in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft (No. 47 overall).
Quote: Derwin James on Samuel:
“To me, football is just confidence and knowing your job. I feel like if you know your job and you know it well enough, and you’re confident to go do it, you can do it. Year three with Asante, I feel like he is going to have a lot more confidence, for sure.”
Highlight:
ASANTE SAMUEL JR. HAT TRICK 🧢pic.twitter.com/hMyPj6iURQ
— PFF (@PFF) January 15, 2023