The Cleveland Browns find themselves in a difficult situation following the season-ending Achilles injury to cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. With a glaring hole in their secondary, the team has been urged to consider signing former second-round pick Asante Samuel Jr., a promising cornerback still available on the free-agent market.
Emerson’s injury leaves Cleveland with limited options, as his absence disrupts a secondary that already faced depth concerns. Samuel Jr., known for his playmaking ability and steady improvement during his tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers, could provide an immediate boost. At just 25 years old, he possesses both youth and experience, making him an ideal candidate to step into an important role.
Cleveland Browns, Asante Samuel Jr.
November 13, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Samuel’s availability comes at a critical time for the Browns, who are aiming to solidify their defense for a competitive AFC North. Ranked among the top free agents of 2025, Samuel brings a skill set that includes strong coverage instincts and the ability to generate turnovers. His addition would not only strengthen Cleveland’s defensive backfield but also help mitigate the impact of losing Emerson.
Cleveland’s decision to address this need is crucial, especially with other AFC teams bolstering their rosters. Samuel’s ability to play in various defensive schemes makes him a versatile asset, capable of adapting to Cleveland’s system. His signing would also provide insurance for Greg Newsome II, who now faces added pressure as the likely starter.
NFL Analysis Urges Cleveland Browns to Sign Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.
Cleveland Browns, Asante Samuel Jr.
Jan 14, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) reacts after losing to the Jacksonville Jaguars during a wild card game at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
As it stands, Cleveland may field a better roster with Samuel in it for the upcoming season. This is detailed more in an analysis by Kristopher Knox for Bleacher Report.
According to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper, Samuel’s stinger issue isn’t new, which makes the corner a bit of a risk-reward option. The Browns, however, should be comfortable adding a defender who might stay healthy to help replace one who definitely won’t.
Cleveland lost starting perimeter corner Martin Emerson Jr. to a torn Achilles early in training camp. This has left the Browns with a big question mark opposite Denzel Ward and some future uncertainty in the secondary—Emerson and slot corner Greg Newsome II are both slated to be free agents in 2026.
Samuel, who will turn 26 in October, could potentially become a long-term contributor in Cleveland if he is and can stay healthy. He would make sense for the rebuilding Colts too, given their loss of Walley before the season even began.
NFL experts and fans alike have pointed to Samuel as a logical fit for Cleveland, given their immediate need for a reliable cornerback. While his tackling has been criticized, his coverage skills remain his strongest attribute, filling a void in the Browns’ secondary.
Cleveland Browns, Asante Samuel Jr.
Sep 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) breaks up a pass to Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn (17) in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Bringing in Samuel Jr. could be a pivotal move for Cleveland as they prepare for a challenging season. His experience and upside offer a solution to their current predicament while reinforcing their pursuit of playoff contention.
Cleveland Browns, Asante Samuel Jr.
Tennessee Titans receiver Tyrone Calico (87) hauls in a pass over New England Patriots defensive back Asante Samuel that set up quarterback Steve McNair’s 1-yard touchdown run late in the game at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass., on Oct. 5, 2003. But it wasn’t enough as the Titans fall 38-30.
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