The Miami Dolphins still need cornerback reinforcements after trading away Jalen Ramsey. But if they were planning to sign Asante Samuel Jr. to fill that need, they may want to reconsider.
The Miami Herald reported Monday that the Dolphins have checked in on Samuel, who remains a free agent as he works his way back from neck surgery. Even if Miami likes what it sees, it may have to deal with one other complication.
Samuel’s father, two-time Super Bowl champion cornerback Asante Samuel Sr., harshly criticized the Dolphins and their leadership on a recent episode of his podcast, ‘Say What Needs To Be Said.’
Samuel Sr. said he believes the only reason Miami traded away Ramsey was because the team’s current regime – head coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier – are weak leaders who are unable to stand up to outspoken players.
‘The Dolphins had no reason to trade Jalen Ramsey other than they’re sensitive,’ Samuel said. ‘There’s no leadership in the Dolphins organization. Mike McDaniel is a push-over. Chris Grier, the general manager, has no backbone.
‘They are running this team like a little league team. No one can stand up to the players. They’re terrified of their own players, and they have no control over their players.’
Samuel Sr. played 11 seasons in the NFL with the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons. He won two Super Bowls with the Patriots, was an All-Pro in 2007 and earned four Pro Bowl nods between 2007-2010.
Samuel Jr. is a free agent after his rookie contract with the Los Angeles Chargers expired at the end of the 2024 season. He tallied two interceptions in each of his first three seasons, but his most recent season was cut short by a shoulder injury. Samuel Jr. underwent neck surgery in April and is still waiting to sign with a team as he recovers.
Other notable free agents at the cornerback position are Rasul Douglas, who played with the Bills last year, and Stephon Gilmore, who spent 2024 with the Vikings.