Former All-Pro Asante Samuel Sr. Rips Dolphins: ‘There’s No Leadership’

The Miami Dolphins have a pressing need at cornerback in wake of trading away seven-time Pro Bowler Jalen Ramsey.

While free agent Asante Samuel Jr. is among the players they’ve checked in on, according to Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson, the Dolphins may want to think twice before proceeding any further.

Samuel’s father, former All-Pro cornerback Asante Samuel Sr., delivered a scathing critique of the Dolphins and their leadership team on a recent episode of his podcast, “Say What Needs To Be Said.”

“They’re sensitive, there’s no leadership in the Dolphins organization,” he said. “Mike McDaniel is a pushover, Chris Grier — the GM — has no backbone.”

Samuel Sr. proceeded to say that the organization is run “like a little league team,” suggesting that the front office and coaching staff have no control of their players.

Asante Samuel Jr. is Among the Top Cornerbacks Available

Samuel Jr., 25, remains a free agent after undergoing neck surgery in April. He played four games with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024, tallying 13 tackles (11 solo) before landing on injured reserve in Week 6 because of a shoulder injury.

Over his first three seasons, the 2021 second-round pick (47th overall) had 163 tackles and six interceptions in 46 games.

Needing help at cornerback, the Dolphins could certainly use a player of Samuel Jr.’s abilities. At this stage of the offseason, weeks before the start of training camp, he is easily one of the top players available.

But money aside, convincing him to sign may be difficult, especially if his father has any say.

“No one can stand up to players,” Samuel Sr. said. “They have no control over their players.”

Samuel Sr.’s comments come after the Dolphins dealt Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, tight end Jonnu Smith and a pick swap last month.

Dave Hyde of the Sun Sentinel recently shed light on what went into that bold move, writing that Ramsey and wide receiver Tyreek Hill were constantly late for practices and meetings “in a manner that set the culture of last year’s Dolphins.”

Asante Samuel Sr. Made Four Pro Bowls

Samuel Sr. played 11 seasons in the NFL with the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons, making four consecutive Pro Bowls from 2007-10. He led the NFL in interceptions in 2006 and 2009 and was First Team All-Pro in 2007, when he had 46 tackles and six interceptions for the 16-0 Patriots.

Samuel Sr. won Super Bowls XXXVIII and XXXIX with New England.

In 157 career games, he had 434 tackles (394 solo) and 51 interceptions, six he returned for touchdowns.