After several reports this weekend of an imminent long term deal with Asante Samuel, it turns out now that nothing has really changed since the Pats made their initial offer. I guess we shouldn’t be surprised; the “source” of the reports was someone not directly related to the talks. His agent has stated otherwise, as reported by the Herald: “Alonzo Shavers, the agent for free agent cornerback Asante Samuel, indicated that the two sides continue to talk with the hope of hammering out a long-term deal before today’s 4 p.m. deadline. There were even indications late last night that the two sides were on the verge of a deal, but Shavers scuttled that talk. “I haven’t said anything remotely close to that,” Shavers said. “You got it from the horse. The horse can’t speak no louder.”’
Personally, I’d rather not have someone on my team who didn’t want to be there. They can end up a T.O. style distraction (although Samuel doesn’t have the juice to make that much noise) or they can just take up a roster spot that can be better served with a 3rd string gunner on special teams.
I still think in the end the Pats should stand firm on what they have offered or get him out the door (and the division) for a 2008 pick or two.
