Atlanta Falcons
Asante Samuel - #22 - CB
| Status | Active |
| Height/Weight | 5' 10"/ 185 lbs. |
| Birthday | 01/06/1981 |
| Birthplace | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| College | UCF |
| Years played | 11 |
| Drafted | 2003, 4th round, 23rd pick by Patriots |
Lions trade for Falcons CB Houston; sign Wade
The Lions traded a sixth-round pick in April’s draft for Falcons CB Chris Houston and signed former Rams CB Jonathan Wade.
Falcons formally announce Robinson signing
The Falcons announced they signed CB Dunta Robinson on Saturday and will introduce him at a press conference Monday.
Falcons expect Jerry’s return to help pass rush in 2010
If Peria Jerry returns in offseason workouts before the draft and looks to be coming along well, that could help push the Falcons in the direction of taking a cornerback, or perhaps even a linebacker, with the 19th pick.
Falcons re-sign QB Redman
The Falcons will not be shopping for a new backup quarterback this offseason.
Falcons LS Schneck retires
Falcons LS Mike Schneck announced his retirement Thursday, the team said in a press release.
Report: Falcons re-sign CB Williams
The Falcons have re-signed veteran CB Brian Williams to a one-year deal.
Falcons tender Dahl, Norwood
The Falcons issued tenders to four more restricted free agents Wednesday, in addition to ORT Tyson Clabo and P Michael Koenen.
Clabo, Koenen tendered by Falcons
The Falcons tendered two of their restricted free agents Wednesday, reports indicate.
NFC South team needs
With No. 1 WR Antonio Bryant departing in free agency, wide receiver is a pressing need for the Buccaneers. PFW continues its series in which it examines the needs of each team, analyzing the NFC South.
Smith expects Ryan to be ready for start of offseason conditioning program
Falcons head coach Mike Smith spoke at the Combine Feb. 26 and said QB Matt Ryan is progressing well in his recovery from the turf-toe injury that hampered him late last season.
Coin flips determine draft order for six teams
Three coin flips were conducted to determine the draft order for six teams Friday at the Combine.
Falcons name Musgrave assistant head coach
The Falcons named Bill Musgrave assistant head coach on Tuesday.
Falcons re-sign WR Finneran
The Falcons locked up veteran WR Brian Finneran before he hit the open market.
Falcons have decision to make at placekicker
Matt Bryant and Steven Hauschka are expected to compete to become the Falcons' placekicker next season, but the team is still looking to see what else is available at the position.
Finding young talent on 'D' will be Falcons’ draft focus again
With the most pressing of the team's needs being at cornerback and defensive end, sources say Atlanta will put an emphasis on drafting defensive players once again in 2010.
Falcons’ Moore will get a crack at unseating Coleman
Word is the Falcons will give 2009 second-round pick William Moore an opportunity to beat out incumbent starter Erik Coleman for the strong safety job.
Falcons under pressure to improve pass rush
In addition to finding help at cornerback, one of the Falcons' more important tasks this offseason will be upgrading their personnel at defensive end to help bolster a pass rush that made just 28 sacks in 2009.
Falcons CB Owens will be in mix to start next season
Word is Falcons rookie Chris Owens has all but ensured he will be in the mix to open next season as the team's starting left cornerback.
PLAYER NEWS
Samuel was active and started for the Falcons on Sunday against Carolina after being listed as questionable.|||||||
Samuel aggravated a right shoulder injury against the Saints last week.
Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon and Samuel have returned to practice in a limited role on Friday for the Atlanta Falcons.|||||||
Samuel is nursing a sore shoulder. He and Jerry were injured in last week's home win over Arizona.
Samuel returned an interception 79 yards for a touchdown in the closing minutes and Matt Bryant connected on a 55-yard field goal with 1 second remaining, allowing the Falcons to escape with a sloppy 23-20 victory over the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.|||||||
Including the postseason, Samuel leads the NFL with 45 INTs since 2006.
Samuel says he doesn't care if he starts at cornerback Sunday against Kansas City.|||||||
With the Falcons, the label of being a starting cornerback is somewhat less relevant. New defensive coordinator Mike Nolan is likely to use more schemes with three cornerbacks and two linebackers than he deploys in the base 4-3 scheme.
A person familiar with the deal says the Falcons have acquired four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel from the Philadelphia Eagles. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Wednesday because the deal has not been announced.|||||||
The trade was made after Samuel agreed to restructure his contract to a three-year, $18.5 million deal with Atlanta. His current contract with Philadelphia calls for him to earn $9.9 million in 2012 and $11.4 million in 2013.