The San Francisco 49ers have overhauled their roster this offseason. With Deebo Samuel out the door and others potentially right behind him, San Francisco will have a much different look coming off a 6-11 season.
While many of the moves have been made in preparation for Brock Purdy’s new contract, the 49ers have to find ways to improve the team. San Francisco has made modest moves to date including cornerback Tre Brown, quarterback Mac Jones and wide receiver Demarcus Robinson. But they haven’t added an impact player that could help them improve on last year’s disaster.
Fortunately, there’s still a cornerback that makes sense for the 49ers and they would be wise to pounce on the opportunity to sign him in the third week of free agency.
49ers Should Target Asante Samuel in 3rd Week of NFL Free Agency
The 49ers’ secondary has been one area that has been ravaged this offseason. Starting cornerback Charvarius Ward signed with the Indianapolis Colts while Isaac Yiadom made his way to the New Orleans Saints. While San Francisco has offset those losses with the arrival of Brown and former Miami Dolphins cornerback Siran Neal, the 49ers would benefit from targeting Asante Samuel Jr.
Samuel is the son of former All-Pro cornerback Asante Samuel but has made his own name in four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers. The 25-year-old was a starter on the Chargers defense since he was selected in the second round (47th overall) in the 2021 draft but was limited to four games due to a shoulder injury last season.
That injury could be the reason why Samuel is still on the market. But it also makes him a buy-low target. Samuel had back-to-back solid seasons before last year’s injury-marred campaign, posting a Pro Football Focus grade over 70 in 2022 and 2023. Samuel is also a specialist in coverage, posting grades of 76.1 in 2022 and 75.6 in 2023 while allowing 1.10 yards per coverage snap.
The caveat is that Samuel has a knack for allowing big plays. His 1.10 yards per coverage snap from 2022 to 2023 is a solid number but he also allowed 11 touchdowns including seven scored in 2022, which tied him for second behind Atlanta Falcons corner A.J. Terrell (nine TDs).
Still, Samuel would be an upgrade over the 49ers' current starting cornerback group. Deommodore Lenoir is locked into the slot after ranking 10th in coverage snaps and allowing 1.08 yards per coverage snap last season. 2024 second-round pick Renardo Green was the 49ers' highest-graded corner last season but Brown has also battled injuries throughout his career.
It’s a position that could be solved with one of their 11 picks in the upcoming draft. But Samuel has shown he can play well at the NFL level. While he’s stated his desire to return to the Chargers, he should be on the 49ers' radar as free agency continues.