Week 15 was a nightmare for the Green Bay Packers. They lost Micah Parsons for the season due to a torn ACL, while Christian Watson left the game due to a chest injury. Not only did they lose several playmakers, but they also lost the division lead, as the Chicago Bears bested the Cleveland Browns.
And once you thought the week couldn't get worse, cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. snagged an interception in the Steelers' win over the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football. That play caught the attention of the Packers fan base, as they didn't sign him when they had the chance. Considering all the problems they are now facing in the secondary, he would have been a warm addition to the CB room.
Asante Samuel Jr.'s Play on MNF Makes Packers' Decision Look Worse
Back in November, Samuel Jr. visited the Packers after being cleared for football activities following a spinal fusion surgery in April. Green Bay was one of six teams that Samuel Jr. visited before ultimately signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The visit with the Packers came before he visited with the Steelers, so if they wanted to lock him down, they could have, but instead, they decided to roll with the players they had in the building. Then, they felt confident in what they had on defense, in large part due to Parsons wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks. But since he's now gone for the year, the pressure is only magnified on the secondary.
Keisean Nixon has been one player who has struggled in 2025, and his performance against the Denver Broncos was the latest example of his lackluster play. In the loss, he gave up five receptions for 79 receiving yards and one touchdown. Bo Nix and company made a concerted effort to target Nixon in coverage, and that doesn't seem like something that will change.
That's without mentioning that Carrington Valentine's play has also taken a dip lately after a hot start. It's obvious the Packers need some help in the secondary, which is why seeing Samuel Jr. make plays on primetime stung even more.
He would have been a welcome addition to a position group that needs help down the stretch. Packer fans didn't waste time going online to discuss the team's decision not to sign Samuel Jr. and as the season hits it's final stretch, you have to wonder how management feels about this decision as well.