Good news for the Patriots, who expect to have holdout cornerback Asante Samuel back with the team today. Samuel is reportedly ready to end his contract dispute and report to the club and play out his one-year contract as the team's designated franchise player.
Samuel had hoped to work out a long-term contract, but the Patriots have been so far unwilling to meet his demands. So he'll do the smart thing: Show up, play, and hope for a huge payday next year.
Chances are he'll get it - either in New England or somewhere else. Samuel might have the best ball-hawking instincts of any cornerback in the league, and his presence on a team that most - including us - feel is worthy of a Super Bowl run, is essential.