NFL Rumors: New England Patriots not expected to pursue Asante Samuel

The New England Patriots came so close to shocking the world and making it to the Super Bowl without any sort of offensive weapon outside of the running game, but they fell just short. One of the reasons they fell short was the fact that cornerback Aqib Talib was taken out of the game by Wes Welker, but the incident only proved to the Patriots how valuable Talib is to them and it’s why they’re trying to re-sign him this offseason.

Should the Patriots miss the chance to sign Talib and lose him to a bigger contract on another team, don’t expect them to go bargain shopping for free agent talent. Asante Samuel would seem like a fit for the Patriots if they lose Talib, but ESPNBoston reporter Mike Reiss doesn’t envision a return to New England for Samuel.

"As for Samuel’s possible return to New England, it seems unlikely — mainly because Aqib Talib is the team’s top priority at the position and also because I don’t think Bill Belichick would want to risk his young corners being negatively influenced by a player who pretty much wore out his welcome in his last two stops."

Samuel will find work in the offseason, but it won’t come easy. Two teams have so far cooled on him meaning he won’t come flying off the shelf and may not get a contract until late July or early August rolls around.