The pool of free agents has dramatically shrunk since the legal tampering period began early last month. However, there are still a handful of names that could be of value to the Patriots, especially since they have a league-high amount of cap space to utilize just weeks before the 2025 NFL Draft.
For the most part, fans would like to see them allocate that money to more offensive talent to further support Drake Maye in the upcoming season, even if they will likely prioritize that side of the roster through the draft.
Some players might pique their interest, such as WR Keenan Allen and Tyler Lockett, or G Shaq Mason; however, at least one recently released defensive player could soon be put on their radar.
That's a suggestion made by Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report for former Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., whose father has an interesting history with New England that has become more controversial in recent years.
The Patriots could take a risk by signing CB Asante Samuel Jr. in free agency
Despite a healthy secondary led by CBs Carlton Davis and Christian Gonzalez, there's room to add more talent, especially if they are 25 years old with a lot of potential.
That's how Knox feels regarding Samuel Jr., who the Chargers released last week after a less-than-impressive start to his NFL career over the past four years. The 2021 second-rounder didn't live up to his potential in the eyes of the AFC West team, so he is looking for a new home for the 2025 season, which could be the Patriots.
The idea is that they could take a risk by bringing in the son of Asante Samuel and see how he could become a contributor on their defense. If he has even half the skill of his father, the risk would be worth the reward.
"Samuel dealt with stinger issues that limited him to four games in 2024. He was "feeling better" in January, however, according to The Athletic's Daniel Popper.
Only 25 years old and with 37 passes defended on his resume, Samuel should be worth a flier in New England. He could be a long-term contributor and would be a fine addition to a cornerback room that now includes Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis."
Due to injury concerns with Davis, it wouldn't be a bad idea to add another young player to grow and develop alongside Gonzalez, making Samuel Jr. all the more intriguing. It's a move that would have seemed impossible with Bill Belichick at the helm of the organization, but now it could be a legitimate signing, even if it comes with a bit of controversy due to his father's apparent disdain for the team.
Fortunately, it seems that most of the criticism is directed at Belichick alone, rather than the entire team, so he shouldn't be a significant distraction if Vrabel and his team choose to bring him in.
It would be an interesting signing with a lot of potential, especially given the low price likely to bring him in. That might be the biggest selling point of the entire idea. It would give Samuel Jr. another chance to prove what he can do, perhaps in a better situation for him, while also allowing the Patriots to see if they can coach him into the kind of player they could utilize on the field.
During his career thus far, he has recorded 176 combined tackles, six interceptions returned for 45 yards, 37 passes defended, and a fumble recovery. It's nothing to be overly impressed with, so the price would have to be right. If Samuel Sr. has anything to do with it, it could become more challenging to finalize a deal. However, it shouldn't be completely ruled out as a possibility.