The Eagles have traded cornerback Asante Samuel to the Atlanta Falcons for a TKTK. Samuel, 31, was signed by the Eagles as a free agent in 2008 and recorded 23 interceptions in four years with the team, making three Pro Bowls during that time. In 2010, Samuel had only three interceptions, his lowest total since 2005. As part of the deal, Samuel reportedly restructured his contract with the Falcons.
"We wish Asante Samuel all the best as he heads into the next chapter of his career in Atlanta," said head coach Andy Reid. "He has been a very productive member of the Eagles for the past four years and we appreciate all that he has done for our organization. We obviously feel good about our cornerback situation moving forward with Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie as our starters. Those two played very well together in the latter part of the season and we anticipate that will continue as we head into the 2012 season."
The Eagles now have 10 picks in this year's draft, which begins tomorrow night. The Eagles have a first-round pick (No. 15), two second-round picks (No. 46 and No. 51), one third-round pick (No. 88), one fourth-round pick (No. 114), one fifth-round pick (No. 153), three sixth-round picks (No. 172, No. 194 and No. 200) and the seventh-round pick acquired for Samuel (No. 229).
Samuel's departure had long been rumored this offseason as the Eagles look to turn the page to a new cornerback tandem. The team will now move forward with Asomugha and Rodgers-Cromartie as their starting cornerbacks. Asomugha, 30, is a two-time All Pro who was signed as a free agent last offseason. Rodgers-Cromartie, 26, was acquired by the Eagles last offseason (along with the 51st overall pick in this year's draft) as part of the Kevin Kolb trade. A Pro Bowler in 2009, Rodgers-Cromartie was utilized by the Eagles as a slot cornerback for much of the 2011 season but thrived in his final two games when returned to the outside.
Also on the roster at cornerback for the Eagles are nickel cornerback Joselio Hanson, last year's third-round pick Curtis Marsh, Brandon Hughes, Trevard Lindley and D.J. Johnson.
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