49ers Explore Asante Samuel Jr. Comeback After Surgery Clearance
The San Francisco 49ers made some intriguing headlines this week after hosting free-agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. for a tryout at their Santa Clara practice facility on Monday. The move has sparked plenty of curiosity among fans and analysts, considering Samuel’s recent health battles and his reputation as a skilled defender.
Samuel, 26, is looking to reignite his NFL career after spending four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers. A former second-round pick in the 2021 draft, he showed plenty of promise early on, starting in 47 of 50 games and recording six interceptions along with 37 passes defended. However, his 2024 season was derailed by injuries—specifically stingers in both shoulders—that eventually led to spinal fusion surgery in April.
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After months of recovery, Samuel has now been medically cleared to return to football activities. Since then, he’s been on a bit of a tour across the league, visiting teams like the Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings, with more visits reportedly lined up with the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers. His stop in San Francisco marks another step in his effort to find the right fit and prove he’s ready to compete again at the highest level.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the 49ers hosted the workout but noted it was primarily handled by the team’s personnel department. He didn’t meet Samuel personally or observe the tryout, describing the session as a “fact-finding mission” to assess where the cornerback currently stands physically. Shanahan added, “We know he’s been a hell of a player, so it’s probably just to see where he’s at right now.”
For the 49ers, this tryout comes at an important time. With Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green holding down the starting corner spots and Darrell Luter Jr. backing them up, depth in the secondary remains a key concern. The defense has struggled recently, particularly with its pass rush, so adding a healthy and experienced corner could help balance things out.
Samuel’s availability as an unrestricted free agent offers potential value for a team like San Francisco, which often prioritizes defensive strength. If he proves to be healthy and effective post-surgery, he could become a smart addition to bolster their playoff push.
It’s worth noting that Samuel Jr. comes from strong football roots—his father, Asante Samuel Sr., was a four-time Pro Bowl cornerback who played for New England, Philadelphia, and Atlanta over an 11-year NFL career. Now, the younger Samuel is trying to write his own comeback story, hoping a fresh start with a contender like the 49ers could be the next chapter in his journey.
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