The one bright spot in the 2013 season for the Atlanta Falcons was the regime of young players that stepped up when needed. Several rookies found themselves pushed into starting roles early with the team when injuries began running wild on the roster. The success of rookie cornerbacks like Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford give the Falcons hope, but could also mean some veteran players get cut.
Asante Samuel already lost his starting spot when Alford proved capable of handling more responsibility. Now, the veteran's future is in serious question with the team. The Falcons traded a seventh round pick to Philadelphia to get Samuel and he certainly was strong last year, but his $5 million salary due in 2014 is working against him. He would be a $7.7 million salary cap hit. A release would save Atlanta $4.5 million.
Despite turning 33 in January, Samuel has every desire to continue being a starter in the NFL. With cornerbacks like Nnamdi Asomugha retiring, Samuel has no plans on following in his footsteps, but he does realize that his time with the Falcons could possibly be up.
"It's all good," Samuel said, via ESPN.com. "I'm a professional. I don't make the rules so I have to go with whatever happens."
Samuel has a history of productivity in his favor. He is the only player in NFL history to register at least one interception return for a touchdown in his first six seasons. He has 51 interceptions total in his career, ranking him fourth among active players. Injuries really derailed his season this year, allowing for several rookies to step up and overshadow him.
"Asante has been around a long time," Alford said, via ESPN.com. "I used to watch him when he was first into the NFL when he was with New England. So just having advice from him and knowing that he's a future Hall of Famer and a [four-time] Pro Bowler, that's something that I want to be. And I think he really helps me out a lot."
The Falcons are prepared to do a bit of rebuilding in the offseason and may be looking to get a little younger. Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan has spoken out in favor of a youth movement with the team as the young stars this year gave him a lot to be excited for. Samuel sees the writing on the wall. As the Falcons move forward, he could be the first veteran out.
