I understand there’s been some confusion regarding the reported trade of Asante Samuel Jr. to the Baltimore Ravens. As of now, there is no official confirmation or credible reports supporting this trade. Asante Samuel Jr. remains a cornerback for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Asante Samuel Jr.’s Background and Career
Asante Samuel Jr., born on October 3, 1999, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is the son of former NFL cornerback Asante Samuel Sr. He attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School, where he excelled in football, earning a four-star recruit status. Samuel Jr. committed to Florida State University, where he played college football and developed a reputation as a skilled cornerback. In the 2021 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Chargers selected him in the second round with the 47th overall pick. He signed a four-year contract worth just over $7 million on May 12, 2021.
During his rookie season, Samuel Jr. made an immediate impact, recording his first career interception in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. He earned the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week honors in consecutive weeks (Weeks 2 and 3). In his debut playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he made history by recording three interceptions in the first half, becoming the first player in NFL history to achieve this feat in their postseason debut.
Injury and Current Status
In the 2024 season, Samuel Jr. suffered a shoulder injury during practice, leading to his placement on injured reserve on October 12, 2024. This move sidelined him for at least four games, impacting the Chargers’ secondary depth. As of March 21, 2025, there have been no official updates indicating a trade or contract extension involving Samuel Jr.
Clarifying the Trade Rumors
The confusion may stem from past events involving his father, Asante Samuel Sr. In 2012, the Philadelphia Eagles traded Samuel Sr. to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick. Samuel Sr. agreed to restructure his contract to facilitate the trade, resulting in a three-year, $18.5 million deal with the Falcons. However, this event occurred over a decade ago and is unrelated to the current status of Asante Samuel Jr.
Conclusion
As of now, Asante Samuel Jr. remains a member of the Los Angeles Chargers, and there is no credible information confirming a trade to the Baltimore Ravens or any other team. It’s essential to rely on official team announcements and reputable news sources for accurate information regarding player transactions.