Here's how much a contract extension for Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. would cost

The player that immediately jumps out from these stats as a close comparable to Samuel Jr. is Trevon Diggs. Diggs became a household name in his own right - not just because he’s kin to the prolific receiver Stefon - but because his own ball-hawking ability produced a league-high 11 interceptions in 2021. Diggs is not to be mistaken with a cornerback of Jaylon Johnson’s ability, as Diggs thrives in a boom-or-bust play style. Of the four cornerbacks, he has nearly five hundred more yards allowed than the next highest cornerback, considerably more yards allowed per coverage rep, and double Johnson’s touchdowns allowed. However, Diggs causes turnovers, which is very clearly what the Cowboys paid for when they extended him.

This flashy play style earned Diggs a first-team All-Pro nod. Jaylon Johnson received a second-team nod and Pro Bowl appearance this past offseason, but although his stats suggest he’s a more effective lockdown corner, the accolades often follow the turnover generating machines at this position. Jamel Dean has further exemplified this concept, as he actually posted even lower yards allowed per coverage rep, and has yet to make a Pro Bowl.

With interceptions being such a primary focus in negotiations, Zont will only benefit from a cluster or those picks coming from a legendary playoff performance that nearly single-handedly willed the Chargers through the wild-card round of the playoffs. Zont was targeted 11 times by Trevor Lawrence, which he turned into three interceptions, two additional PBU’s, and only allowed three catches for 15 yards. It was a generational performance that will be leaned upon heavily by his representation. Although Zont hasn’t had the turnover consistency Diggs displayed before signing his deal, a postseason performance like this has a way of defining a player’s reputation with GMs around the league.

When comparing Diggs' and Johnson’s deals, it’s important to add the context that Diggs accepted a contract that will take him through his age-30 season. Although Jaylon’s deal was for a little less in cash and cap-share, he will have the opportunity to negotiate his next deal while he’s 29, as opposed to 31.

Zont’s lack of accolades despite his knack of generating turnovers will drop him to a tier below Trevon Diggs. The gap between Zont and Diggs is similar to that between Jamel Dean and Jaylon Johnson; Dean has a similar catch rate allowed and lower yards allowed per coverage rep than Jaylon Johnson, but Johnson’s single-year of shutdown excellence earned him accolades and notoriety that distanced him from Dean’s crowd.

If Zont tries to get a similar ball-hawk bump over Dean’s valuation as Diggs has over Johnson, the Chargers’ brass can simply point to the fifth year attached to Diggs’ deal that significantly hurts his future negotiating leverage. There’s also a sizable gap from Diggs’ 17 picks and Zont’s 9 - the Chargers will be bidding with some projection to bring a deal together. Dean and Johnson’s deals set the cap-share bracket between 5.78-7.44%, with Zont landing around 6.5% as a happy medium between the two.

Final Contract Projection: 4 four years, $66,400,000 million - $28 million fully guaranteed