Getting a great NFL secondary is one of the most important things a team can do these days.

As we saw from Super Bowl 48, an elite secondary can shut down the best offense. The NFL free agency period saw a lot of high profile names go to different teams. Yet, there are still a few choice stars available on defense prior to the start of the 2014 NFL season.

Two high profile players who are still free agents are Ed Reed and Asante Samuel. How do these players stack up head-to-head? And more importantly, how can these two big-name defenders make a difference on an NFL team? Latin Post.com takes a look:

Asante Samuel

Samuel made his legacy in New England with the Patriots. The cornerback from Central Florida helped the team win two Super Bowls and three AFC Championships. Samuel is known for taking a lot of risks and jumping routes. Sometimes they pay off, and sometimes he gets burnt downfield for a deep pass.

Twice in his career, Samuel has led the NFL in interceptions. He was a great cornerback on the Philadelphia Eagles, and he helped the team make three consecutive playoff appearances. Even though Samuel is a ball hawk, he's past his prime. The New York Jets have reportedly reached out to Samuel. Although the Jets defense is good, Dexter McDougle recently tore his ACL and Dee Milliner has an ankle sprain.

Rex Ryan could definitely give Samuel a try in his defensive system.

Ed Reed

Reed is one of the greatest safeties in NFL history. The former Miami Hurricane helped the Baltimore Ravens win Super Bowl 47 against the San Francisco 49ers. Reed is a physical safety who can make big plays, get turnovers and play any zone defense.

The risk with signing Reed is his health. Reed will turn 36 years old in September, and last season didn't go very well for him. The nine-time Pro Bowler played for both the Houston Texans and the New York Jets last season. He was constantly injured and unable to make the jaw-dropping plays we're used to seeing him create.

The Dallas Cowboys could give Reed a try. The team already ranks near the bottom in almost every defensive category, and to make matters worse; Orlando Scandrick has been suspended for four games. Reed would bring leadership and experience to a defense that lacks both attributes.

Both Reed and Samuel have high upsides, with some risks. Neither will cost a lot against the salary cap going forward, because both know they can't demand much on the open market. Samuel is the younger player, but being a corner, he has a much bigger responsibility. Reed is a more physical type player and is older, so there is a possibility he may go unsigned.

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