Ex-Charger Young Star Say YES TO GREEN BAY PACKERS, He Could Be Their CB2 Very Soon
Green Bay, WI – The Packers’ front office has spent the summer searching for ways to stabilize their secondary before Week 1. Injuries and inconsistent preseason play created urgency, and a familiar name quickly emerged as the solution.
With Nate Hobbs sidelined after knee surgery and Corey Ballentine recovering from a concussion, depth at cornerback was tested throughout August. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has leaned on young reserves, but concerns grew louder with every breakdown in coverage.
League sources confirmed Monday that Green Bay has reached an agreement with a free-agent defensive back who brings both pedigree and experience. His arrival is expected to change the outlook of the cornerback depth chart immediately.
That player is Asante Samuel Jr., the 25-year-old former Los Angeles Charger. A 2021 second-round pick from Florida State, Samuel has logged 142 tackles, five interceptions, and 25 passes defended across four NFL seasons, offering the Packers proven ball-hawking instincts.
"I'm ready to fight for this city. Green Bay lives and breathes football, and I want to wear green and gold to prove I belong — and to help bring a Super Bowl back home," Samuel said.
His fit is clear. Hafley’s scheme requires aggressive man-coverage corners, and Samuel has thrived in similar roles before. With Hobbs uncertain and Carrington Valentine struggling, Samuel could step directly into an outside role opposite Keisean Nixon.
While durability has been a question — shoulder and ankle injuries limited him in Los Angeles — Samuel’s speed (4.42 in the 40) and quick reaction time make him an immediate upgrade. Green Bay views him as both CB2 now and insurance if Nixon falters.
For a franchise chasing relevance in the NFC North, the timing could not be better. If Samuel returns to rookie-year form, the Packers may have uncovered a late-summer bargain capable of stabilizing their defense before the season opener against Detroit.
