Two former FSU stars continue to build NFL free agency buzz

The Seminole alumni are drawing plenty of attention ahead of the NFL market opening.

Sep 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) walks the field before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images / Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The 2025 NFL offseason is in full swing. Speculation about free agency continues to create buzz about where NFL athletes will land when everything is finalized on March 12. CBS Sports recently released a list of their 2025 All-Free Agent Team, and two former Florida State stars continue to garner attention in the free agency marketplace.

Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel, Jr. and Philidelphia Eagles defensive end Josh Sweat both made the list with Sweat being named first-team and Samuel making the second-team roster.

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Samuel missed most of the 2024 season with a shoulder injury, and it is expected that he won't re-sign with the Chargers. He was drafted by the Chargers in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft after spending three years with the Seminoles. He appeared in 50 games with 47 starts, tallying 176 tackles, 37 passes defended, and six interceptions.

Oct 22, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) intercepts a pass intended for Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (12) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images / Denny Medley-Imagn Images

In 2023, Samuel posted a catch rate allowed over expected of -5.0 percent and ranked fifth in the NFL with 11 pass breakups. Listed at 5'10, 180 pounds, some teams will be worried about his size, although that hasn't affected his playmaking ability. If healthy, he will be a valuable addition to any franchise in need of an experienced cornerback.

Sweat will be another hot commodity on the market coming off of a Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Sweat's standout performance in the Philadelphia Eagles' 40-22 victory over the Chiefs has catapulted him into the limelight as his contract in the City of Brotherly Love expires. He had 2.5 sacks in that game to add to his eight regular season total.

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Josh Sweat (19) in Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Signing Sweat won't come cheap for teams looking to bolster their defensive front. Spotrac predicts Sweat's potential contract with a new team will be worth $56,466,831 over three years, so he will need to land with a team that has enough cap space to sign his star power while continuing to build its roster.

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