According to a source with knowledge of the situation, ?several teams? have expressed a willingness to meet Asante Samuel?s asking price, which is a contract in the neighborhood of the eight-year, $80 million deal free agent Nate Clements signed with the 49ers. The Patriots offered a one-year, $7.79 million franchise tender that Samuel has yet to sign. The source said the Jets inquired about Samuel, but declined to acknowledge their interest or disclose if it was affected by the NFL draft-day trade that netted Pitt corner Darrelle Revis in the first round. A second source added that the Patriots are holding firm for the two first-round picks they?d receive as compensation, if Samuel signed an offer sheet and they declined to match. While it appears unlikely any of Samuel?s suitors will meet that demand, the Jets at least tested the waters. Their interest makes sense. New York coach Eric Mangini served as Samuel?s secondary coach in 2003-04 and defensive coordinator in 2005 before taking the Jets job. He knows what Samuel can do. The Jets are in solid salary cap position, with roughly $6 million to spend, though a portion of that money will be used to sign draft picks. Regardless, there?s room to fit Samuel with a little maneuvering. The bigger issue would be getting him out of New England, since the Pats are unlikely to deal with their rivals. Reached by e-mail last night, Samuel?s agent, Alonzo Shavers, declined comment.