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Post by Scott on Feb 16, 2007 22:37:41 GMT -5
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (Feb. 16, 2007) -- The New England Patriots designated Asante Samuel as their franchise player in a move that would keep the cornerback with the team for at least one more season.
The 26-year-old has played in 59 regular-season and 11 playoff games with New England since being drafted in 2003, and would have been an unrestricted free agent if the Patriots hadn't designated him as their franchise player.
Without the tag, the Patriots would not be compensated if he signed with another team.
"Asante Samuel is an outstanding player who has been a consistent contributor for us for several years," coach Bill Belichick said in a statement the team issued. "We hope Asante remains a Patriot for many seasons to come."
Samuel previously said he would like to stay in New England under the "right conditions." He tied Champ Bailey for the NFL regular-season lead with 10 interceptions last season.
New England drafted Samuel out of Central Florida in the fourth round, 120th overall, in the 2003 NFL draft.
Samuel has returned three interceptions for touchdowns in the playoffs, tying him for the most in NFL history with former Oakland Raider Willie Brown.
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Post by einshine on Feb 17, 2007 12:58:06 GMT -5
Thank god for this, I was really worried that the pats were going to do a Vineteri thing and let him go. Hopefully we can get a long term contract done before the season starts.
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Post by soxfaninsjc on Feb 20, 2007 1:26:26 GMT -5
I agree. I'm so glad the Pats are keeping Asante around. He's been getting better every time you see him, so I think the best is yet to come.
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Post by bigballa24 on Feb 21, 2007 23:05:20 GMT -5
I'm skeptical about this one. He's excited he's getting paid now, but how happy will he be next year when the same situation presents itself? I understand, their buying themselves time, but their being pussies and not reaching into the checkbook to pay this man. If they won't do it now, will they ever do it?
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Post by einshine on Feb 22, 2007 12:18:32 GMT -5
Well I don't know about not paying him. The first time the designated Adam as the FP, they gave him a 3 year deal. Maybe they'll realize corners aren't as easy to replace as kickers and sign him to a muti-year deal.
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Post by bigballa24 on Feb 22, 2007 14:15:32 GMT -5
I defenitly hope so. It's just I'm afraid because the Pats NEVER pay anyone as much as they look for minus Brady. Asante is great and I'm hoping they do pay him, but I'm just afraid they won't.
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