Atlanta acquired four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel…
Atlanta acquired four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel from Philadelphia for seventh-round pick No. 229. Samuel started 15 games in 2012, intercepted five passes and helped the Falcons reach the NFC Championship Game, then returned for a second season. Philadelphia used the pick on Bryce Brown, who flashed as a rookie and provided useful backfield depth. Brown had value, but Atlanta obtained an established impact starter for a minimal price.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- player Asante Samuel
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- pick 2012 7th round pick (229th overall, Bryce Brown)
Trade Analysis
Why Philadelphia Moved Samuel
The Eagles entered 2012 with Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie already occupying major roles at cornerback, while Asante Samuel carried a substantial contract. Atlanta needed another proven cover player. The Falcons acquired Samuel for only a seventh-round pick, No. 229, after he agreed to a new three-year contract.
What Samuel Gave Atlanta
Samuel immediately became a starter on a 13-3 Falcons team. He intercepted five passes in 2012, returned one for a touchdown, and helped Atlanta reach the NFC Championship Game. His second season was less productive and became his last in the NFL, but the Falcons still received meaningful high-level play during the season they were closest to the Super Bowl.
What Philadelphia Did With No. 229
The Eagles selected Kansas State running back Bryce Brown. Brown was an unusually productive seventh-round find, rushing for 564 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie while filling in for LeSean McCoy. He remained useful in 2013 before Philadelphia later traded him to Buffalo, extending the value of the original pick.
Why Atlanta Keeps the Edge
Brown prevents this from being a giveaway for Philadelphia. He was a useful late-round find and gave the Eagles additional roster flexibility. However, a seventh-round pick is a small price for a veteran who produced five interceptions and started throughout a conference-title run.
Final Verdict
Atlanta Falcons Win. Samuel's immediate defensive impact earns Atlanta a B+. Philadelphia receives a C+ because Brown exceeded normal seventh-round expectations, but the Eagles still surrendered the more valuable short-term player in the original exchange.