The king has arrived
Samuel in house
By Mike Reiss, Globe Staff
Cornerback Asante Samuel, who had remained away from team headquarters since training camp began July 27, arrived at Gillette Stadium this morning.
Samuel's plans to join his teammates were first reported by the Providence Journal.
Samuel, who was upset at not reaching a long-term contract agreement after being designated the team's franchise player, had previously stated he planned to hold out until the 10th week of the season. But when Samuel made those remarks, the possibility for a long-term deal still existed and he was likely trying to spark further discussions along those lines.
Once the July 16 deadline for franchise players to sign long-term deals expired, Samuel was locked into playing for a one-year deal. At that point, his representatives regrouped and altered their plan.
As the franchise player, Samuel was tendered a one-year, $7.79 million contract.
The Patriots have been running with Ellis Hobbs and Randall Gay as their starting corners, with first-round draft choice Brandon Meriweather, 12-year veteran Tory James and sixth-round draft choice Mike Richardson the top backups.
Samuel's presence will alter the mix, as Meriweather could be moved to safety. Another factor in a possible move to safety for Meriweather is if Eugene Wilson is sidelined due to an injury he appeared to sustain in Friday night's preseason game. Wilson looked like he pulled up on Keary Colbert's 48-yard touchdown catch, and while he remained in the game for the ensuing extra point, he did not return to action with the starters after that.
As for Samuel, the question now is how long it will take him to get ready for the season opener Sept. 9 against the Jets.
Coach Bill Belichick is scheduled to hold an 11:15 a.m. press conference and the media will have access to the locker room and practice after that. We'll plan on filing our next update after the press conference.
