The 2025 NFL trade deadline has come and gone on Tuesday, and there has been plenty to talk about. But when it comes to the Green Bay Packers, it was relatively quiet, as they didn't make a major trade or any deal, for that matter.
Luckily for them, no major moves were made by their NFC North rivals. The lack of trade moves is a bit concerning, especially as the Packers try to hang onto a division lead following a shocking loss to the Carolina Panthers this past Sunday.
One area the Packers could have addressed at the trade deadline was for a cornerback, but nothing transpired. The Packers have expressed interest in former Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. Now, there is a new update.
Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports that the Packers are looking into signing Samuel.
Packers looking into signing Asante Samuel Jr. for CB help
"According to a source, the Packers are looking into the possibility of signing free-agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.," writes Schneidman. "Samuel, a 26-year-old 2021 second-round pick of the Chargers, was recently cleared for football activity after undergoing spinal fusion surgery in April, according to ESPN."
The Packers do need to address the cornerback position, especially after the latest injury news. Nate Hobbs is currently sidelined due to an MCL sprain, and could miss the next two games at minimum. So, the Packers need depth. Samuel is the gamble the Packers could make.
Samuel was set to be one of the top free agents available in free agency, even though he played in just four games in 2024. However, it was determined that Samuel needed spinal fusion surgery and that he would need medical clearance before he would sign with any team. On Monday, Samuel was officially cleared to play football, and now, the sweepstakes are on for teams looking for cornerback help.
During his four-year career, Samuel recorded 176 combined tackles, 37 passes defended, and six interceptions in 50 games. In coverage, Samuel allowed 154 completions for 2,009 yards and 14 touchdowns on 259 targets, according to Pro Football Reference.
For the Packers, Samuel would be the perfect midseason acquisition for them. To compete in the NFC, they will need some help stopping the passing attacks of the likes of the Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Philadelphia Eagles. Samuel is an excellent coverage cornerback, and if he is 100 percent, should provide an immediate upgrade for Green Bay.