The Miami Dolphins were a top-10 passing defense in the NFL in 2024, surrendering just 210.7 yards per game to opposing quarterbacks last year.
However, in the last few months their secondary has taken quite a hit, losing Jevon Holland and Siran Neal to the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers, respectively, while Kendall Fuller and Jordan Poyer remain unsigned on the free-agent market.
Miami did bring in veteran defensive backs Ashtyn Davis, Artie Burns and Ifeatu Melifonwu on one-year deals as well as Jason Marshall Jr. and Dante Trade Jr. in the 2025 NFL draft to fill the holes, but they could still use more help, especially if Jalen Ramsey is traded before Week 1.
On Monday, A to Z Sports' Ian Valentino identified the Dolphins as the best landing spot for free-agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.
Samuel, 25, is the son of two-time Super Bowl champion Asante Samuel, and he played his college ball at Florida State from 2018-20, earning All-ACC honors in his final two seasons with the Seminoles.
The Los Angeles Chargers selected Samuel in the second round (No. 47 overall) of the 2021 NFL draft, and the second-generation cornerback earned a starting role as a rookie.
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In four seasons, Samuel has appeared in 50 games and recorded 176 tackles (three for a loss), 37 passes defensed, six interceptions and one fumble recovery.
Last year, Samuel played in just four games before a shoulder injury ended his season. He had made just 13 tackles and defensed two passes. Pro Football Focus gave him a 59.3 overall grade for his efforts, ranking him 131st out of 222 cornerbacks in 2024. He also earned a 59.8 run-defense grade (135th) and a 58.6 coverage grade (129th).
Samuel would be a welcome addition in South Florida. If Ramsey stays with the Dolphins, Samuel could play opposite the seven-time All-Pro with Kader Kohou in the slot. If Ramsey is dealt, Samuel would be Miami's top cornerback with either Storm Duck, Cam Smith or Artie Burns taking over as the other boundary cornerback and Kohou in the slot.
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