Asante Samuel, Jr. Cleared for NFL Return After Surgery

Los Angeles, CA – Free agent cornerback Asante Samuel, Jr. has been medically cleared to return to football activities following spinal fusion surgery in April. Sources indicate that he plans to meet with several NFL teams this week as he explores his options in free agency.

Samuel, 26, was initially regarded as one of the top cornerbacks available before being sidelined due to injury. He was ranked as the No. 14 overall free agent in ESPN’s pre-free agency rankings earlier this year. Team executives had previously noted Samuel as perhaps the best corner in the draft class he was part of. His condition, which he described as both a stinger in both shoulders, has been a long-standing issue.

Dr. David Okonkwo, a neurosurgeon who specializes in spinal conditions, performed the surgery. Along with Dr. Nicholas Theodore, he reviewed Samuel’s medical scans to evaluate his readiness to return to the field.

Since being drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Samuel has played in 50 career games, starting 47 of them. He has recorded 176 tackles and six interceptions. Last season, he only appeared in four games due to his injury, accumulating 13 tackles in total.

Samuel’s current free agency market is dynamic, with teams interested in bolstering their cornerback positions as the NFL trade deadline approaches. Other teams that have shown interest in cornerbacks, including the Denver Broncos, are expected to evaluate potential signings this week to add depth to their rosters.