The Green Bay Packers crashed back down to earth with a humbling home loss to the Carolina Panthers, and last Sunday's Lambeau visitors might not be done causing Packers pain.
Green Bay reportedly has interest in free-agent cornerback Asante Samuel, but it now faces competition from two teams. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Packers and Minnesota Vikings plan to work out Samuel, but it's the Panthers who will get the first opportunity.
While Samuel may prefer to visit all three teams before making a decision, the Panthers get the advantage of going first. If the workout goes well, they could try to get a deal done before other teams get an opportunity.
Panthers could steal Asante Samuel Jr. from Packers before they can even work him out
It wouldn't be the first time that's happened. In May, the Packers hosted quarterback Taylor Elgersma for a rookie tryout. He had planned to also try out with the Buffalo Bills, but the Packers moved quickly to sign him.
Green Bay needs cornerback help, especially with Nate Hobbs sidelined with another knee injury.
The Packers could enter a pivotal Monday Night Football contest just one injury away from Bo Melton or Kamal Hadden playing on the boundary. They are now the top two backups should one of Keisean Nixon or Carrington Valentine need to exit the game.
With Samuel cleared to return to the NFL after spinal fusion surgery, the Packers have a rare in-season opportunity to add a starting-caliber cornerback to the roster. He's not perfect, as his tackling concerns may give the Packers pause, but his coverage ability and ball skills would help the secondary level up.
But the Packers face competition. Carolina and Minnesota are interested, and time will tell if other teams come in for him.
The Panthers get the first opportunity to work him out, and we can only hope it doesn't lead to an immediate deal.