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Patriots' Samuel makes a statement Click here to find out more!

Adam Schefter By Adam Schefter
NFL Analyst


Adam Schefter's "Around the League" reports and commentaries can be seen regularly on NFL Total Access.

(April 4, 2007) -- A near perfect offseason in New England now is being interrupted with a reminder that not everything is ideal in Patriots Nation.

Free-agent cornerback Asante Samuel, whom the Patriots slapped with their franchise tag in February, is so displeased and discouraged with his contract talks with the team that he now is open to the idea of playing elsewhere and will seek a trade.

"This is to let everybody know that I'm not happy anymore and things are not going well," Samuel said in his first public comments since the Patriots franchised him. "At first I thought it was going well, but it's not.

Asante Samuel feels his value is higher than the Patriots realize.
Asante Samuel feels his value is higher than the Patriots realize.
"We have a difference of opinion in my value. They think I'm worth one price and the other teams think I'm worth a lot more. If a long-term deal can't be done at fair numbers for me and New England, then I want to be traded."

If a long-term deal cannot get done with New England and a trade to another team does not happen, Samuel said he also is prepared to take steps he would rather not and sit out this season.

"If it's best for me and my family," Samuel said, "I will do that. Absolutely."

Patriots spokesman Stacey James declined to comment.

However this plays out, New England looks as if it is going to have to address this potential problem after solving others this offseason with the additions of linebacker Adalius Thomas, running back Sammy Morris, tight end Kyle Brady and wide receivers Wes Welker, Donte' Stallworth and Kelley Washington.

"We want to get something done and my hope is we will," said Samuel, who intercepted 12 passes last season, including two he returned for touchdowns in the playoffs against the Indianapolis Colts and the New York Jets.

"But if it doesn't get done, I'm prepared to do what's best for me and my family. It's not what I want to do, but what I have to do. They're handling their business the way they feel they have to and I'm going to do the same."

Samuel now would like to be able to strike a deal with another team.

Problem is, any team that signs Samuel to an offer sheet -- and the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints and Washington Redskins are among the many teams seeking upgrades at the position -- would have to compensate the Patriots with two first-round picks.

A team also could arrange a sign-and-trade deal, but it's unlikely that New England would be willing to deal the 26-year-old Samuel within its division, although the Patriots once did so with free-agent running back Curtis Martin.

"The rest of the league knows I'm worth more than New England is offering, but they're scared of that (compensation)," Samuel said. "But I want to get this over with bad enough that I'm willing to work with any team to get a fair long-term deal done."

Samuel's frustration goes beyond the limitations that other teams are facing in trading for him. He said that when the offseason started, the Patriots told him they would take care of him with "an elite contract." But in Samuel's opinion, no "elite contract" has been forthcoming at a time when San Francisco shelled out $80 million for free-agent cornerback Nate Clements.

Also, Samuel has watched the Patriots reward players such as Thomas with big money while he has not been offered a similar deal for his role in helping the Patriots win two Super Bowls and come within a few minutes of reaching another last season.

Now, after contract talks stalled again, and the sides remain far apart, Samuel felt he had to push this issue from the background to the forefront.

"I've been patient, haven't said anything bad, haven't said anything negative," Samuel said. "But my patience has run out. Business is business. They handled their business their way and I'm handling my business my way. I hope not, I really hope not, but it's looking more and more like it could be time to move on."

HEROHAMO wrote:Asante Samuels is ready to sit out the season. He is unhappy with the current franchise tagging. Which means he might be hitting the free agent market.

HEROHAMO wrote:Asante Samuels is ready to sit out the season. He is unhappy with the current franchise tagging. Which means he might be hitting the free agent market.

Guess who is being mentioned as one of the teams interested in signing him?

Adam Schefter wrote:A near perfect offseason in New England now is being interrupted with a reminder that not everything is ideal in Patriots Nation.

Adam wrote:with the additions of linebacker Adalius Thomas, running back Sammy Morris, tight end Kyle Brady and wide receivers Wes Welker, Donte' Stallworth and Kelley Washington.

gibbs4president wrote:Is it a good or a bad thing that everytime a player is unhappy with his situation or his contract he thinks Redskins first, and that the Redskins are usually interested in him?


I'd say bad, I'm tired of all the rumors honestly.

ArizonaHOG wrote:CLL- I like your idea of getting a CB next year in the first round.....but....we will have the last pick in the first round so the best CBs will be gone by then

SkinsFreak wrote:Well... at least from the Skins perspective, the signing of Macklin should kill this thread.

fredp45 wrote:How about Springs and #6 for Samuels and their 22nd pick?

I'd be all over that like a big dog!

gibbs4president wrote:

fredp45 wrote:How about Springs and #6 for Samuels and their 22nd pick?

I'd be all over that like a big dog!

Wouldn't the Redskins have to surrender two 1st round picks? Or is that only if they signed him to an offer sheet? I'm confused.

gibbs4president wrote:Is it a good or a bad thing that everytime a player is unhappy with his situation or his contract he thinks Redskins first, and that the Redskins are usually interested in him?


I'd say bad, I'm tired of all the rumors honestly.

SkinsJock wrote:You are absolutely correct RiC It is just amazing how much it costs to feed and provide for your family in the manner to which they are accustomed these days - and how big is that family?

HEROHAMO wrote:

SkinsJock wrote:You are absolutely correct RiC It is just amazing how much it costs to feed and provide for your family in the manner to which they are accustomed these days - and how big is that family?

How are they going to affor Filet Mignon and Lobster for breakfast?