BREAKING: Vikings Get ‘Reckless’ Link to Legacy Playmaker Ahead of Deadline
The Minnesota Vikings are still working on finalizing their quarterback situation, but they also have uncertainties at other positions, including cornerback. A potential connection to Asante Samuel Jr. could provide insight into their strategy.
Phil Mackey of Skor North mentioned this possible link on the “Purple Daily” podcast during a segment called “reckless speculation.”
Mackey shared a story from an anonymous listener on the March 28 episode, explaining that he received an intriguing call from his neighbor. The neighbor’s daughter, who was on spring break in Fort Lauderdale, spotted a young man wearing a Vikings cap at SWAY Nightclub. Curious, she approached him and asked if he played for the Vikings. He reportedly smiled and responded, “It won’t be official for about five weeks, but yes.” When she asked for his name, he introduced himself as “Asante.”
Samuel, selected 47th overall by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2021 NFL Draft, is currently one of the top free agents available, according to Phil Mackey.
The son of former All-Pro, Pro Bowler, and Super Bowl champion Asante Samuel, the younger defensive back appeared in just four games in 2024 due to injury. However, in 2023, he posted career-best numbers with 63 total tackles and 13 pass deflections.
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Before his shortened 2024 season, Samuel had recorded two interceptions in each of his previous campaigns. His ties to the area further fueled speculation among fans on social media following Mackey’s report.
Vikings GM Cites Compensatory Picks Formula Ahead of Asante Samuel Jr. Link
While fourth-hand accounts aren’t typically the most reliable sources of rumors, the speculation does align with the Vikings’ potential timeline for roster moves. It’s also not uncommon for individuals to impersonate celebrities for attention or personal gain.
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has emphasized the compensatory pick formula as a factor in the team’s patience regarding quarterback decisions and possibly other signings. The Vikings secured a third-round compensatory pick in this year’s draft, and the deadline for signings to impact that formula is April 29.
“We’re trying to improve the team while also being mindful of our compensatory pick situation and other factors,” Adofo-Mensah explained on March 26.
If Mackey’s timeline holds, “about five weeks” from March 26—or a few days before March 28—lands around April 30, just after the deadline. While this doesn’t confirm Samuel’s potential signing, it does fit within the Vikings’ strategic approach.
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As of March 29, the Vikings have nine cornerbacks on their roster, with Byron Murphy Jr. being the most experienced in the group.
Asante Samuel ‘Born With’ Potential Red Flag
Samuel’s youth and solid performance when healthy would typically make him a sought-after free agent. However, The Athletic’s David DeChant, Jourdan Rodrigue, and Vic Tafur pointed to a key factor that may be limiting his market.
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“Samuel was productive in coverage through three seasons,” The Athletic staff noted in February. “Undersized and not known for his tackling, Samuel has been otherwise mostly healthy in his career, but any uncertainty about the health of his shoulder moving forward could complicate his market.”
After the season, Samuel revealed he had been dealing with recurring “stinger” issues he was “born with.”
Heading into free agency, The Athletic ranked Samuel as the seventh-best cornerback available and the No. 54 overall free agent.