With over $9 million due to cornerback Asante Samuel this year and over $11 million next year,  the Eagles are unlikely to pay that money out, especially with their tight cap space number this off-season.

Having Samuel’s position locked down pretty well with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie on one side and Nnamdi Asomugha on the other also hasn’t helped Samuel’s cause, and as such, the rumors have started up recently about a possible trade with the Titans or the Lions.  Both spots are logical landing spots for him as these two teams need an upgrade at CB, but seem to be reluctant to pull the trigger on a deal, given that Philadelphia will inevitably be forced to release Samuels from his contract.

With two or more teams in the mix the Eagles have a better chance to get what they want – rumored to be a third round pick, but any team that wants him knows that in the end Samuel  might be just cut and then picked up for nothing.

Samuel, 31,  can still hold his own against most receivers, but his on field production is likely to start declining going forward as age robs him of his speed and agility. With his salary situation he might be too big of a risk for any team even one desperate for a quality cornerback which at this point he still is.

At this point, the question really is whether Detroit and/or Tennessee are actually interested in trading for Samuels or are the Eagles simply trying to drum up a deal of any sort by desperately planting seeds.