“People say, ‘Oh, he’s the son of Asante Samuel, so of course… For some people, it’s like I’m trying to live off his name,” recalled Asante Samuel Jr., the son of Asante Samuel, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Pats. He always wanted to build his legacy rather than be known by his father’s name. The Florida State alum had somewhat of a strained relationship with his father. Because he was the only one telling the two-time Super Bowl champ, “You could have done better.“
Asante Jr. started his NFL journey in the Chargers colors in 2021. This year, his rookie contract has come to an end with Jim Harbaugh‘s team. And now that he is in free agency, Jonathan Gannon‘s team might be interested in getting him on board.
Last Thursday, Samuel Jr. took a trip to Arizona as the Chargers did not offer the CB an extension. And now, rumors are floating around that the Cardinals will meet with Asante Jr. The team is all about having a strong defensive lineup this season. Last week, the Cardinals added DE Josh Sweat to their roster. They could fill more gaps by signing Asante, who is undoubtedly one of the top CBs in free agency currently.
#Cardinals will visit with free agent CB Asante Samuel Jr pic.twitter.com/CS89JHjhZD
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) March 16, 2025
Samuel Jr. was coming off an injury-haul season after suffering a shoulder stinger injury. The 25-year-old only played four games this season, which is probably the reason why the Chargers did not offer him an extension. In the 2023 season, Asante recorded 63 tackles and scored touchdowns. The Florida alum had 13 passes defended. The Chargers have signed two CBs after releasing Samuel Jr. The team signed a two-year, $13 million deal with ex-Steelers CB Donte Jackson and signed Commanders CB Benjamin St-Juste on a one-year deal.
As for Asante, the Saints are, reportedly, in the mix. According to a few rumors, the team could offer him a four-year deal worth $45.9 million. On another note, Cardinals’ quarterback Kyler Murray just secured his big paycheck.
Kyler Murray cashes in
Before choosing the NFL, Kyler Murray had his doubts. The Cardinals’ quarterback also considered a baseball career. In 2019, the Oklahoma alum decided to enter the NFL Draft.
At 5 feet 10 inches, Murray’s height was not considered ideal for a quarterback. When the Cardinals selected him, he became the shortest QB ever drafted in the first round. Many believed he would have been better off pursuing baseball instead of football.
Despite the skepticism, Murray signed a $35.2 million deal with the team. He completed his rookie season with 3,722 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
In 2022, Arizona signed Kyler to a five-year, $230.5 million extension, with $160 million in guaranteed money. The 27-year-old secured a $32.6 million paycheck. Because Kyler stayed on the Cardinals’ roster past a key deadline, his salary and roster bonus for 2026 are now fully guaranteed.
Had the QB changed teams before 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, his 2026 salary ($22.835 million) and $10 million of his $17 million roster bonus for 2026 would have been gone. So, in total, Murray will pocket $32.835 million, guaranteed for 2026.
The QB is currently in South Korea. The Cardinals star organized a QB camp for all the aspiring footballers in the country. “Ever since then, I took it upon myself to embrace who I am. I’m proud to be Korean… Honestly, just embracing the culture, meeting people, talking to people. Getting to be here for 10 days, I want to see a lot,” said Murray. Kyler has a special connection with South Korea, as his grandmother was from there.
So for the QB, this trip to Korea is more than just an offseason trip or football. It’s a chance to connect with his roots, inspire young athletes, and fully embrace his heritage.
The post NFL Rumors: Jonathan Gannon Eyes Jim Harbaugh’s Former CB as Cardinals Confirm $32.8M Boost for Kyler Murray appeared first on EssentiallySports.