Cornerback Asante Samuel and the New England Patriots failed to agree on a multiyear contract, setting the stage for a possible holdout. Samuel, coming off the best of his four seasons, can play only for the tender offer the Patriots made when they designated him as their franchise player. He skipped the team's mandatory minicamp last month and has said he intends to hold out until the 10th week of the regular season. The club made no transactions, team spokesman Stacey James said. Samuel's agent, Alonzo Shavers, did not respond to an e-mail seeking comment.