DALLAS COWBOYS COULD TARGET ASANTE SAMUEL JR. AS A VETERAN CORNERBACK OPTION

🚨 COWBOYS LOOK TO ADD VETERAN DEPTH TO SECONDARY: The Dallas Cowboys made a bold move late in the 2025 season, releasing cornerback Trevon Diggs, ending his near six-season tenure with the organization. The decision was a necessary one, as injuries had rendered Diggs an expensive liability on the boundary, and his underperformance in recent years created a need for change.

With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching and multiple first-round picks at their disposal, the Cowboys are expected to target the secondary to bolster their defense. Shavon Revel (2025 third-round pick) and Caelen Carson (2024 fifth-rounder) could step into starting roles, but the Cowboys are also considering a more experienced option to fill the gap in their secondary.

THE POSSIBILITY OF ADDING ASANTE SAMUEL JR.

According to Fox Sports’ Greg Auman, Asante Samuel Jr., the talented 26-year-old cornerback, could be a reclamation project for the Cowboys. Samuel, who spent his first four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, may find a fresh opportunity in Dallas, potentially reuniting with his former position coach, Derrick Ansley. Ansley, now the Cowboys’ defensive backs coach, coached Samuel during his time in Los Angeles and could be key in helping Samuel return to his peak form.

SAMUEL’S INJURY HISTORY AND LATEST PERFORMANCE

Samuel’s career took a hit due to a neck injury sustained in October 2024, which sidelined him for over a year. However, he made a late-season return with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, starting three games and earning a 67.2 grade from Pro Football Focus. While his time with the Steelers was limited, it showed promise, and Samuel still possesses the skills that made him a strong contributor during his first three seasons in the league.

Before the injury, Samuel had a solid career, including three interceptions in a single playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Over his first three years, he tallied six interceptions and was a consistent presence in the secondary. If he can stay healthy, he still has the potential to be a major asset for the Cowboys’ defense.

WHY DALLAS MAKES SENSE FOR SAMUEL

Though Samuel’s injury history is a concern, his previous body of work and recent performances give him a shot at re-establishing himself as a starting cornerback. For the Cowboys, Samuel could be a solid addition to their defensive backfield, providing depth and experience alongside DaRon Bland at CB1. Samuel would likely compete with Shavon Revel for the starting CB2 role opposite Bland.

However, the biggest roadblock to signing Samuel could be the salary implications, as the Cowboys are currently projected to be $30 million over the cap. While this creates financial hurdles, the Cowboys could restructure contracts and make cuts to free up space, potentially allowing them to sign Samuel to a one-year, relatively inexpensive deal. This move could look very shrewd in 12 months if Samuel proves he’s back to his old form.

THE COWBOYS’ STRATEGY MOVING FORWARD

The Cowboys are in a position of need in the secondary and will likely continue to target both the draft and free agency to address the issue. Asante Samuel Jr. presents an opportunity to add veteran experience to the defense, but whether the Cowboys are able to make the financials work will be key. If they can land Samuel on a prove-it deal, he could help stabilize the secondary and provide mentorship to younger cornerbacks like Revel and Carson.

With the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon and free-agent decisions to make, Dallas has a lot of moving parts in the coming months. How they address their secondary needs, particularly in the context of a tight salary cap, will determine whether this potential move for Samuel is a smart long-term solution or a risk they choose to pass on.