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4h ago

Asante Samuel Jr. Cleared to Return, Sets Visits With Panthers, Packers and Vikings

Post-deadline, the veteran cornerback is drawing interest as a low-cost option for teams seeking immediate secondary help.

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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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Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. is scheduled to visit with the Vikings, Packers and Panthers this week after he was cleared to return to football activities following a spinal operation.

Overview

  • Samuel received full medical clearance to resume NFL play via a letter from Drs. David Okonkwo and Nick Theodore provided to clubs.
  • His first visit is with the Carolina Panthers today, with meetings also lined up with the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, per multiple reports.
  • The Packers’ interest, first noted by The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman, comes as corner Nate Hobbs deals with an MCL sprain that is expected to sideline him for at least two games.
  • Samuel underwent spinal fusion surgery in April performed by Dr. Okonkwo and has 50 career games (47 starts) with 176 tackles, 37 passes defended and six interceptions for the Chargers.
  • Reporting indicates his camp waited until after the trade deadline to pursue a starting role, and a signing decision could follow shortly after this visit circuit.