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The Eagles hid their pursuit of Nnamdi Asomugha from everyone, which is impressive in this day and age. It'll be equally impressive if they get fair value from Asante Samuel when they ship him out of town.
There have been conflicting reports on that thus far, with ESPN's Ashley Fox calling it "conceivable that the team carries all three cornerbacks" -- Asomugha, Samuel and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie -- into the season. My first thought was the same; that it's possible.
But, other reports have suggested the Eagles will in fact look to trade Samuel, who might not fit the team's new defense, isn't currently in training camp, and missed 5 games last season (though he still intercepted 7 passes). Sitting down shutdown corner Asomugha at any time doesn't make sense, nor does only using new acquisition Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in nickel packages. The team has 3 Pro Bowl cornerbacks. Something has to give, and Samuel is the most likely option.
If they keep him, of course, it's an imposing trio. I already had a fairly high grade on the Eagles defense in the magazine, and it now appears possible I wasn't high enough. Given that Philly also added a respectable defensive end in Jason Babin, this is a team that should play very good defense this year, and make a run at its fourth straight (and fifth in six years) season as a top-10 fantasy defense.
Better if they keep Samuel, but pretty good regardless.
--Andy Richardson
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