The Miami Dolphins have spent the offseason reshaping their roster, but they still have a glaring hole in one of the most critical spots on defense.
With trade talks surrounding cornerback Jalen Ramsey heating up, the team is now being linked to one of the most intriguing names left on the market — 25-year-old free agent CB Asante Samuel Jr.
Why Asante Samuel Jr. Could Be the Perfect Fit for Miami
ESPN’s Matt Bowen recently named Miami the best landing spot for Samuel, calling him a natural fit for head coach Mike McDaniel’s Cover 2-heavy defense. The Dolphins ran Cover 2 on 27.3% of opponent dropbacks last season — the fourth-highest rate in the league — and Samuel’s skill set lines up well with that scheme.
“When healthy, Samuel has a playmaking mentality at cornerback and uses sudden closing speed to break on the ball,” Bowen wrote. That ability to pattern match and make plays on the ball is something Miami’s current group could desperately use.
Right now, the depth chart behind Ramsey includes Kader Kohou, Artie Burns, Storm Duck, Cam Smith, Ethan Bonner, and rookie Jason Marshall Jr. Samuel might be the perfect addition to it.
Of course, the big caveat is Samuel’s health. A shoulder and neck injury limited him to just four games in 2024, and he underwent neck surgery in April. Still, he’s only 25 and has flashed elite traits during his career. Through 50 games with the Los Angeles Chargers, Samuel has totaled 37 pass breakups and six interceptions.
Will the Dolphins Trade Jalen Ramsey?
The Dolphins are expected to trade Ramsey after June 1, which would dramatically reduce his $25.2 million cap hit down to $6.7 million. But that also means Miami would lose its top cover man, creating an even bigger void in the secondary.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Miami has already reached out to Samuel and expressed interest. While no offer has been made, the team is reportedly monitoring his medical recovery and plans to revisit discussions after his check-up in July.
Samuel’s upside may be exactly what the Dolphins need. He’s still growing as a player — in 2023, he allowed just three touchdowns and a 60.4% completion rate on a career-high number of targets. That followed a 2022 season where he allowed seven touchdowns but held quarterbacks to a 55.2% completion rate, showing year-to-year improvement.
If he’s healthy, he’s a low-risk, high-reward option. And with options like Rasul Douglas still being considered but reportedly turning down a prior offer, Samuel may be Miami’s best chance at plugging a major gap before training camp.
The Dolphins don’t just need a corner; they need a game-changer. Samuel might be just that.