Eagles sign Samuel to six-year contract

In what I think is a surprising move the Eagles have signed Asante Samuel today on the opening of free agency. I'm not really sold on liking Samuel, he is a good player, but he's also caused a lot of trouble and will probably get his fair share of fines. Whether or not Lito Sheppard actually wants out of Philly is yet to be determined, but this move looks to protect the Eagles in case that happens. It seems like the Eagles were one of the contenders for Samuel before free agency began and the fact that Eagles made a strong offer really swayed his decision. The secondary right now is made up of Lito Sheppard, Sheldon Brown, Samuel, Brian Dawkins, and Quintin Mikell. Apparently many believe either Sheppard or Brown will make a move to safety, but we will have to see what happens. This move definitely improves the defense. Samuel is 27 and the contract is 6 years for $60 million.

Other Eagles news:
-Eagles released Jevon Kearse.
-Mike Patterson had got arrested on marijuana possession (<50grams).
-New York Giants safety Gibril Wilson is also possibly going to be signed by the Eagles, but I guess that rumor will die now that Samuel is signed.


ESPN - Eagles sign Samuel to six-year contract - NFL: "Samuel, an All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection this past season, spent the last five seasons with the New England Patriots and had 16 interceptions the last two seasons. The Eagles wasted little time making an offer, reportedly worth up to $60 million, on the first day of free agency."