Another Unhappy Franchised Player

New England Patriots’ corner back Asante Samuel, 22, recently voiced his difference of opinion with his team concerning his franchise player tag, “This is to let everybody know that I’m not happy anymore and thing are not going well.”  

Samuel has been with the Patriots since the 2003 draft and has been on the starting line since the 2004 season and including Super Bowl XXXIX.  In 2006 he intercepted 10 passes which was a career high tying him with Champ Bailey’s record with the Denver Broncos.  He tied for most interceptions in a Patriot game by picking off three passes that same year and has been selected as a 2007 Pro Bowl alternate. 

So what is the issue?  After paying considerable dues to a team that refuses to offer a long term contract a player is bound to look elsewhere.  A positive working relationship consists of a fairly valued player and a team that shows that player support.  Some say negative key factors with the franchise label are pay, or the player’s ability (or lack of) to market themselves to other teams.  Samuel was very clear in stating, “They think I’m worth one price and the other teams think I’m worth a lot more.  If a long-term deal can’t be done at fair numbers for me and New England, then I want to be traded.” 

All things in consideration if Samuel stays with the Pats it will be to the tune of nearly $8 million this next season with a very good chance of getting to the Super Bowl again.  See the Patriots play the 2007 NFL season by getting your tickets on StubHub.com.

Posted in Uncategorized on April 5, 2007

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