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Just one year ago, the Miami Dolphins boasted one of the most fearsome pass defences in the NFL, ranking among the top 10 in 2024 by allowing just 210.7 passing yards per game. But heading into the 2025 season? That once-formidable secondary has taken some serious body blows.
In recent months, Miami has lost key defensive backs Jevon Holland (to the New York Giants) and Siran Neal (to the San Francisco 49ers). Meanwhile, proven veterans Kendall Fuller and Jordan Poyer, both of whom were expected to anchor the back end, are still sitting unsigned on the open market. That’s a lot of experience, leadership, and coverage ability now missing from a unit that thrived on its depth and aggression.
To plug the growing gaps, Miami’s front office has made some moves, but mostly of the short-term or developmental variety. The Dolphins signed Ashtyn Davis, Artie Burns, and Ifeatu Melifonwu to one-year deals. They also used the draft to pick up promising rookies Jason Marshall Jr. and Dante Trader Jr. But let’s be honest—this new group isn’t exactly striking fear into opposing quarterbacks just yet.
And with rumors swirling that superstar corner Jalen Ramsey might be traded before Week 1, the Dolphins could be facing an even bigger defensive identity crisis.
Enter Asante Samuel Jr., a potential solution sitting right there in free agency, just waiting for the right opportunity.
On Monday, Ian Valentino of A to Z Sports pointed to Miami as the perfect landing spot for Samuel, and it’s hard to argue with his take. The 25-year-old corner has both pedigree and experience. He’s the son of two-time Super Bowl champ Asante Samuel Sr., and his college résumé at Florida State includes back-to-back All-ACC selections before being drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in the second round in 2021.
Samuel made an immediate impact as a rookie, earning a starting job in a tough AFC West. Over the course of his four NFL seasons, he’s played in 50 games, totaling 176 tackles, six interceptions, and 37 passes defended. That’s solid production for a young player who’s faced off against some of the league’s best receivers.
However, 2024 was a down year. A shoulder injury limited him to just four games, and his performance before the injury was subpar. Pro Football Focus gave him a 59.3 overall grade, ranking him 131st out of 222 cornerbacks. That includes low marks for both run defence and coverage. Fair or not, that’s why he’s still a free agent.
But make no mistake,there’s upside here. Samuel is still young, hungry, and experienced. He’s got the quickness and instincts to thrive in the right scheme, and with the Dolphins’ aggressive, blitz-heavy style of play, he could be a sneaky good fit.
If Jalen Ramsey stays, Samuel could slot in opposite the All-Pro while Kader Kohou holds down the slot. That’s a potentially nasty trio that could resurrect Miami’s top-10 status. But if Ramsey is traded, Samuel might become the team’s top outside corner by default, with a battle between Storm Duck, Cam Smith, and Artie Burns to determine the second starter.
Bottom line is Miami needs cornerback help, and fast. With big questions surrounding Ramsey’s future and a shaky mix of vets and rookies trying to patch the holes, taking a shot on Asante Samuel Jr. might be the smartest move left on the board.