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6h ago

Asante Samuel Jr., Cleared to Return, Sets Six-Team Free-Agent Visit Tour

He is leveraging post-deadline openings to find a starting role that can reset his market for 2026.

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 10: General view of a Chicago Bears helmet prior to a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. The Bears won 33-6.
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Asante Samuel Jr. #26 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter of the game in the AFC Wild Card playoff game at TIAA Bank Field on January 14, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Samuel received formal medical clearance this week to resume NFL activities after April spinal fusion surgery, per a letter from Drs. David Okonkwo and Nick Theodore reported to teams.
  • His visit schedule spans the next week: Panthers (Wednesday), Packers (Thursday), Vikings (Friday), 49ers (Monday), Bears (Tuesday) and Steelers (Wednesday), according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
  • Pittsburgh was not on initial lists but was later added, reflecting an expanded slate of suitors as interest grew throughout the day.
  • Teams are weighing medicals and immediate role fit, with needs highlighted by Green Bay’s Nate Hobbs MCL sprain, Minnesota’s depth concerns, and Carolina’s push to bolster a middle-of-the-pack pass defense.
  • A 2021 second-round pick who started 47 games for the Chargers, the 26-year-old has 176 tackles, six interceptions and 37 passes defended, and he delayed visits until after the trade deadline to target a clear starting path.