Report on the Samuel Numbers
Looks like the Eagles Luv Asante rumors are inching closer to reality, with a deal on the table and set to go. From The Sporting News via ESPN:
The deal is expected to be worth $47.2 million over five years, ESPN reports. Samuel had been seeking a deal worth at least $10 million a year.
The dollars are pretty close to what's been anticipated, if not a little on the lower side, and we're a little surprised they were able to get him to agree to only 5 years. Nothing's official yet, but it's looking damn close.
So...where does this leave Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown?
Posted by: ryan | Friday, February 29, 2008 at 02:23 PM
I originally heard 5 years/$55 mil a few weeks ago, so this actually comes as somewhat of a relief, even though it's still pretty close to that. Every million counts.
With regards to Lito and Sheldon, for now it leaves them both on the roster, one of them as nickel back or possibly Brown moving to safety. Regardless of what anyone says, this does not automatically mean they will get rid of Sheppard. Personally, I don't think they should. One injury in the secondary puts them right back into a very unstable situation.
Maybe they do trade Lito, but a lot of fans have overrated his value. No swap is going to involve Pro Bowl wide receivers, unless they also trade picks, and he definitely will not be enough to move them up in the first round.
Anyway, it's a happy day for Eagles fans. I'm excited for this year.
Posted by: Kulp | Friday, February 29, 2008 at 02:35 PM
I would be fine with Ltio staying.
The Eagles play nickel alot. Many teams run 3-wide sets over half the time, and many teams (in our own division) have very capable receiving tight ends.
How great would our nickel-D look with: Dawkins, Mikkel, Sheldon Brown, Lito, and Asante Samuel ?? If we can get some pass rush up front for those guys in the backfield ... jesus.
Posted by: Joe Manning | Friday, February 29, 2008 at 02:43 PM
GREAT NEWS!! This is a lot less $$$$ than I thought he would command in Free Agency and 5 years sounds about right.
I'm fine with them keeping Sheppard to build a sick, sick secondary. I am also fine with them shopping him with draft picks to get a quality WR.
Posted by: Paul D | Friday, February 29, 2008 at 02:59 PM
why is it taking all day to announce this?
Posted by: John | Friday, February 29, 2008 at 03:37 PM
Asante Samuel just signed with the Eagles. they're at a press meeting right now.
Posted by: mike | Friday, February 29, 2008 at 04:31 PM
6 year deal
just hit newswire
official
Posted by: theKrisheim | Friday, February 29, 2008 at 05:03 PM