Asante Samuel Jr: Why was released| Dad| Draft pick| PFF| Is Good

Introduction

Asante Samuel Jr. is the rising NFL cornerback with a high-profile pedigree and plenty of storylines: drafted early, connected to his famous father, graded by analytics outfit Pro Football Focus (PFF), and recently facing questions about his future. This article breaks down why he was released (or not re‐signed), his father, his draft pick background, what PFF says about him, and an assessment of whether he is good.

Draft Pick & College Background

Samuel Jr. played college football at Florida State Seminoles and entered the 2021 NFL Draft. He was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the second round (47th overall).

At the draft time, PFF’s profile noted that although he didn’t check every physical box (he was 5-10, about 180 lbs) his instantaneous acceleration and play­making ability stood out. He was ranked among the top college prospects at cornerback.

In short: Samuel Jr. entered the NFL with promise, backed by analytics and a strong college tape.

His Father: Asante Samuel Sr.

His father was a very accomplished NFL cornerback—multiple Pro Bowls, Super Bowls, and recognized as one of the top defensive backs of his era.
That legacy carries both benefit (football IQ, pedigree) and burden (expectations). From his draft profile:

“Because of that, I think we can project Junior’s NFL career with a higher degree of certainty than we might if we hadn’t seen this play out a decade ago.”

So part of Samuel Jr.’s story is living up to—or carving his own identity beyond—his father’s shadow.

Why Was He Released / Not Re-Signed?

While the term “released” might not map exactly to his situation (more “not extended” or “moving on”), there are clear reasons why the Chargers moved on and why his market for a new team has been cautious.

Key factors include:

1. Injury concerns

   • In 2024 he played only 4 games before going on injured reserve with shoulder issues (stinger symptoms) and later required spinal fusion surgery.

   • He reportedly told teams the shoulder issue is something he has dealt with since birth.
     This kind of health red-flag reduces a player’s value especially for expensive contracts.

2. Performance & fit concerns

   • Although he showed strong early promise, analysts flagged weaknesses, especially in tackling and run-defense. One analysis noted his 2024 PFF grade was 59.3 (considered low) with a 22 % missed-tackle rate.

   • His style (excellent ball skills, but smaller size) may not perfectly align with certain NFL defensive philosophies.

3. Contract and roster strategy

   • Despite his youth and potential, the Chargers elected not to lock him into a big extension. Fan commentary surfaced that he was still available as a free agent later in 2025.

   • It may have been a combination of cost, risk, and team direction: a rising corner class + health uncertainty = less incentive to pay large.

4. Unclear or inconsistent communication

   • Reporting shows differing narratives: the team said one thing, he said another. Some loss of confidence or clarity may have played a role.

In short: A promising player, but health issues + some performance/fit doubts + contract/roster timing aligned for the Chargers to move on (or not commit further).

PFF Grades & Analytical Snapshot

PFF is a go-to for many evaluating player performance. Here’s what they say about Samuel Jr.:

• His 2021 profile praised his instant acceleration and break-toward-the-football instincts despite modest size.

• For 2024, a breakdown noted a PFF grade of 59.3 and serious tackling miss-rate issues (22.2%).

• In PFF’s 2025 free‐agent cornerback rankings, he was ranked 6th among CBs, suggesting teams still see value.

So the analytics show: high upside, play-making ability, but some deficiencies and health risk.

Is He Good? | The Verdict

Yes — he has been good, and shows the traits of a starting NFL cornerback. But “very good” or “elite” is still an open question, given the caveats.

What he does well:

• Ball skills: Early in his career he had interceptions, pass breakups, that jump‐ball finish.

• Coverage instincts: His draft profile highlighted his back-pedal to drive transition.

• Youth + upside: He’s still young (born 1999) and has shown flashes of impact.

What held him back:

• Size and run-support concerns: At 5-10/180 he is smaller than many prototypical NFL corners, which can matter in press/run-heavy schemes.

• Tackling/miss-rate: As noted by analysts, his missed-tackle rate and run-game physicality are below elite peers.

• Health/injury: The shoulder/stinger/spine issues are real risk.

• Contract/fit environment: When a team doesn’t see a fit (scheme/personnel) it’s tougher.

My conclusion: He’s a solid starter with potential to be very good, but likely needs the right scheme, good health, and perhaps a little refinement. If he stays healthy and addresses the physical/technique gaps, his career can trend upward.

Final Thoughts

• Drafted 2nd round, 47th overall in 2021 by the Chargers.

• Son of NFL great Asante Samuel Sr.; good pedigree and football mindset.

• He was not “released” in the traditional sense but saw his team move on / choose not to extend him due to injuries + performance + fit.

• PFF grades show promise but also flags: 59.3 grade for 2024, tackling issues, but still ranked among the top FA corners in 2025.

• He is good — but needs to solidify his role, health, and consistency to reach “elite” status.