The busy visit schedule for free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. will include a stop in Green Bay this week. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Samuel is scheduled to visit the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, the Packers on Thursday, the Minnesota Vikings on Friday, the San Francisco 49ers on Monday, the Chicago Bears on Tuesday and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday.
Samuel Jr., who played in only four games last year, was recently cleared for football activities after having spinal fusion surgery in April.
Samuel Jr.’s list of visits across a full week suggests he is taking a slow, methodical approach to finding his next team. A free agent after his rookie deal expired following the 2024 season, Samuel is looking to re-establish his value and possibly set up a chance to sign a big deal in the future.
The Packers have a clear and obvious need at cornerback, a position that has dealt with injuries and inconsistency to start the 2025 season. Nate Hobbs, the team’s big free agent signing, is about to miss multiple games after suffering a second knee injury this year, and the depth behind Hobbs, Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine — which includes converted receiver Bo Melton — is inexperienced and unproven.
Samuel could provide proven depth or a realistic starting option on the perimeter.
Samuel was a second-round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2021 draft. He took a pre-draft visit to Green Bay, and he also played for Packers defensive pass game coordinator Derrick Ansley while with the Chargers.