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Buffalo, NY – May 1, 2025
The Buffalo Bills suffered a blow, losing cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to AFC East rivals New England Patriots, who signed the ex-Chargers star to a one-year, $9 million deal, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Targeted by Brandon Beane to bolster Josh Allen’s defense, Samuel’s departure stings after Rasul Douglas’s exit to Miami.
Samuel, 25, was a prime post-draft target for the Bills, who needed secondary depth following Douglas’s move. With James Cook’s $15 million contract dispute unresolved, Beane’s $5.3 million cap limited pursuits. The Patriots, flush with $100 million in cap space, outbid Buffalo, landing Samuel to pair with Drake Maye’s offense.
“Samuel’s a dynamic playmaker,” Patriots GM Eliot Wolf told The Boston Globe. “He’ll challenge Allen’s passing game.”
Samuel piled up 22 pass breakups and seven interceptions from 2022-2023, but injuries in 2024 (missing four games) lowered his market to a prove-it deal, per Spotrac. His 4.41-second 40-yard dash and zone coverage skills fit New England’s scheme, threatening Buffalo’s 68.5% completion rate allowed in 2024.
“It’s a tough loss,” said NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks. “Samuel could’ve stabilized Allen’s secondary.”
The Bills, with $7.3 million freed from cuts like Dane Jackson, drafted Maxwell Hairston and Dorian Strong but lack veteran depth. Samuel’s signing with a rival intensifies AFC East battles, especially as Cook’s future remains uncertain. Beane may now target cheaper options like Shaq Griffin to shore up Buffalo’s 2025 Super Bowl hopes.
