2008 Free Agents: Corner Backs

Free agency is here, and there are rampant rumors involving the Eagles and prize free agent CB Asante Samuel. According to Micah Warren of Blast Magazine, Samuel has already agreed to a deal with the Eagles. This is shocking news, and a developing story. I will keep you posted with updates, as soon as I have them.

There is no question that the Eagles need another CB, because Will James was just terrible as the teams nickle. The Eagles have already tendered CB Joselio Hanson for 1 year, and that will give them decent depth. Hanson took James job as the nickle CB, and as the season progressed his play there improved. If Samuel is on board, then Hanson becomes a very good dime CB. 

If these reports are true, and the Eagles have actually signed Asante Samuel, then do not rule out a trade of CB Lito Sheppard. Lito has expressed displeasure with his current contract, and is rumored to be traded to the Chiefs for Jared Allen. I know this seems nuts right now, but remember a lot of this is speculation. Nothing is official yet.

Sheldon Brown would probably be demoted to the teams nickle CB with Samuel as an Eagle. This would be an ideal role for him and the Eagles, because he tends to struggle with tall receivers on the outside(Plaxico Burress). Brown had an up and down year, and I think the Eagles realize that he is probably best suited as a nickle CB. There has also been speculation that Brown could be converted to safety down the line. Signing Samuel would definitely make this a much more real possibility.

UPDATE:  Samuel meeting confirmed by PE.com!

"Count the Eagles among the teams who are being aggressive in the early part of free agency. Cornerback Asante Samuel, regarded as the best free agent on the market, will visit the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday. He will meet the Philadelphia media at the NovaCare Complex later this afternoon. PhiladelphiaEagles.com will have complete coverage beginning with Eagles Live! at noon. We will also carry Samuel’s press conference live at 4:30 PM.The 27-year-old Samuel has spent the past five seasons with the New England Patriots, recording 22 interceptions in 75 career regular season games, and five more interceptions in 14 career postseason games. He was a fourth round draft pick of the Patriots in 2003 from Central Florida and has played for two Super Bowl championship teams following the 2003 and 2004 seasons."

>>Samuel Set To Visit Eagles Today (PE.com)

Stay tuned for more news.

Here is the list of free agent CBs:

QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | G | C

DE | DT | LB | S

Free Agent Corner Backs

Key Restricted Free Agent Corner Backs