Eagles' Samuel takes a shot at front office

Asante Samuel, who started a brush fire with comments critical of the Eagles last week, added verbal kerosene Wednesday.

Asked if he feels "wanted" by the Eagles after his name surfaced in trade speculation twice in the last three months, Samuel said, "By Andy," referring to head coach Andy Reid. "A couple people upstairs might not want me, but who cares? They probably never played football."

It was a clear shot at Eagles president Joe Banner and general manager Howie Roseman.

"It's a business. They run it like a business, so they're going to do what they need to do. So they're upstairs playing with a lot of money, playing a little fantasy football. You know what I mean? So they're doing their thing," said Samuel.

Samuel was asked if he was specifically talking about Banner and Roseman.

"Maybe so," he said. "Do you think they're upstairs playing fantasy football with the owner's money?"

Hours later, after Samuel met with Reid, he talked to reporters again with a different message.

"Obviously, I let my emotions get the best of me. Everything is good. I'm happy to be here, and everything is settled," he said. "[Reid] explained to me how the business works, and I'm that much more educated on how the business works in the NFL. . . . Let's get a win on Sunday."

Samuel, a Pro Bowl corner whose future has been in doubt since this summer, when the Eagles added talented cornerbacks Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, declined to take questions this time.

His eruption, and attempt to then ease off, come as the 2-4 Eagles face three critical home games. They also show further cracks in a player-team relationship that appears headed toward a full rupture in the offseason, when it could be easier to deal Samuel or cut him before a significant raise kicks in.

A statement from Reid, issued after Samuel criticized the team, confirmed that the Eagles discussed "significant trade offers" for their three cornerbacks but pointed out that ultimately they decided to keep them all.

"Asante is a valuable member of our team, and we appreciate all that he bring to this organization," Reid said in the comments.