After missing the first four days of Eagles training camp with an excused, undisclosed personal matter, Asante Samuel reported to Lehigh University Monday morning.
However, in his absence, Samuel’s position at CB became a bit crowded. The Eagles wasted no time acquiring Pro Bowlers Dominique Roders- Cromartie and Nnamdi Asomugha in the same position.
Moves that left Samuel wondering exactly where he fit in.
“I want to be where I’m wanted,” Samuel said. “If I’m wanted here, then here. If I’m not appreciated here, then life goes on, and I move on.”
To make matters worse, Coach Andy Reid and general manager Howie Roseman have not provided any comfort, as they have avoided confirming or denying trade rumors,only saying that for now, all three cornerbacks are Eagles.
When asked Monday whether he believed the Eagles wanted him.
“It’s probably 50-50,” he said. “So we’ll see how it goes.”
At practice Monday afternoon, Samuel was at his usual left cornerback spot and Rodgers-Cromartie was at right cornerback. But Asomugha and other free agents are not allowed to begin practicing until Thursday. So if Samuel is still an Eagle come Thursday morning, then it will be the first time in which Samuel, Rodgers-Cromartie and Asomugha will all participate.
For now, Samuel’s attitude is this: “If they’re tired of my big-play-making ability, maybe they’ll ship me out,” Samuel said. “Maybe they’ll keep me. I don’t know. Who knows?”
Seems to me, that he’s a little salty about the changes. But who wouldn’t be? The new additions of Rodgers-Cromartie and Asomugha have surely clouded Samuel’s future in Philadelphia.
Can the three of them work?
“Sure,” Samuel said. “Why not?”
