Patriots Asante Samuel signs with the Eagles

Patriots Asante Samuel signs with the Eagles The New England Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel signed a 6-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday. The two-time Pro Bowl selection was regarded as one of the few premier players in the free-agent market and some reports put the deal at $57 million with $20 million guaranteed, although official numbers have not been announced yet. Samuel lead the NFL with 16 interceptions in the last two seasons with the Patriots and will beef up the Eagles, who had only 11 interceptions last season and failed to score a defensive touchdown.

"I understand that this is a business. Everybody handles their business in their own way. I just had to go with what I felt was best for my family and me. Everybody is happy, and hopefully I made my mama proud...This is my first time being a free agent. They say that your first visit they normally don't let you leave. That's what ended up happening and it's a great situation," Samuel said at the news conference.

Published on 03/01/2008