UPDATED: Asante Samuel has been traded to Atlanta for a seventh-round draft pick in 2012. The team confirmed the move around 5 p.m. Wednesday.
“We wish Asante Samuel all the best as he heads into the next chapter of his career in Atlanta. He has been a very productive member of the Eagles for the past four years and we appreciate all that he has done for our organization,” coach Andy Reid said in a statement. “We obviously feel good about our cornerback situation moving forward with Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie as our starters. Those two played very well together in the latter part of the season and we anticipate that will continue as we head into the 2012 season.”
The Eagles now have 10 draft picks in Thursday’s NFL Draft.
EARLIER: Asante Samuel has agreed to terms on a new three-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons, clearing the last hurdle in a possible trade. The re-structured deal will pay Samuel $18.5 million, rather than the $21.4 million he was due under his original contract with the Eagles.
The Birds are expected to get a late-round pick, according to multiple internet reports. Our sources tell us it will either be a fifth- or sixth-round pick. The Eagles haven’t yet announced the trade, but it is expected to be completed Wednesday afternoon.
The 31-year-old Samuel is one of best playmakers in the NFL, recording 45 interceptions over his nine-year career. However, Samuel and his huge salary became expendable after the Eagles traded for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie last offseason. In 2011, Samuel tallied just three picks in 14 games.
