The Philadelphia Eagles have been shopping former Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel around the league before next week's draft, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
Samuel, who led the NFC in interceptions in two of the past three years, is scheduled to make $9.9 million this season. He attended the Eagles' voluntary workouts this week.
Samuel's name has been mentioned in trade talks ever since the Eagles acquired cornerbacks Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in July 2011.
When training camp opened that August, Samuel missed the first four days. When he arrived, Samuel openly wondered if the team wanted him given their busy offseason.
"If they're tired of my big-play-making ability, maybe they'll ship me out," Samuel said at the time. "Maybe they'll keep me. I don't know. Who knows?"
Then, in October, Samuel criticized Eagles management and compared the team's front-office to people who play fantasy football.
"Couple people upstairs might not want me, but who cares. They've probably never played football," Samuel said following a practice in October. "It's a business and they run it like a business and they're going to do what they need to do. They're playing with a lot of money, playing fantasy football, doing their thing."
Asked if he was referring to general manager Howie Roseman and team president Joe Banner, Samuel replied: "Howie and Joe? I don't know, do they fit the comment I made? There ya go. You think they're upstairs playing fantasy football with the owner's money?"
Samuel eventually backtracked on the post-practice comments, saying he let his emotions get the better of him.
"Everything's good and I'm happy to be here," Samuel said in a statement to the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I had a talk with coach [Andy] Reid this afternoon and I now have a better understanding of how business works in the NFL. Let's get a win Sunday."
The nine-year veteran has 45 career interceptions, including nine in 2009 and seven in 2010, and five career touchdowns. He picked off a career-high 10 passes for the New England Patriots in 2006.
In 14 games last season, Samuel was credited with 34 tackles and had three interceptions.
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.
