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Adam Schefter of NFL Network is reporting that the Philadelphia Eagles have signed free-agent cornerback Asante Samuel to a six-year, $57 million contract that includes $20 million in guaranteed money and $32 million in the first three years of the deal.

That's a very good contract, but probably a little bit less than most NFL observers expected Samuel to get. There had been some talk that Samuel might even become the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history, but this deal doesn't come close to the contract the Colts gave Dwight Freeney last year.

Eagles fans have to be thrilled at this deal, as it provides an instant upgrade to the defense and does so without dramatically altering the team's salary cap situation. The Eagles are in good cap shape and can afford to pay Samuel a lot of money in the first three years of the contract. This is a very good deal for Philly -- so good that it's surprising that Samuel didn't drive a harder bargain.