Nnamdi Asomugha is one of the biggest names still available in NFL free agency, though potentially not for long. He is set to visit the New Orleans Saints, and has been connected with the San Francisco 49ers since being released by the Philadelphia Eagles. The Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos and Houston Texans have also expressed an interest, making for an interesting courtship coming off of two shaky seasons.
Best landing spots for Nnamdi Asomugha
Nnamdi Asomugha is one of the biggest names left on the free agent market. Plenty of NFL teams have shown interest, but after two shaky seasons in Philadelphia, the right defensive fit is necessary for Asomugha to succeed.
Evan Habeeb-US PRESSWIRE
The best landing spot for Asomugha may be some place where he can worry less about responsibility beyond coverage. Asomugha reportedly struggled in Philadelphia when asked to play left cornerback, where he was reportedly less effective bumping receivers at the line of scrimmage or playing zone. Any of the aforementioned teams could give him that opportunity.
The Saints probably need the most help. In 2012, they were second-to-last in the NFL, giving up 4,681 yards passing, and 31 touchdown to 15 interceptions. They recently signed Keenan Lewis, however, so the need is not as great as it was. Ditto for the Broncos, who signed Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to pair next to Champ Bailey, and the Cardinals, who signed Antoine Cason.
The 49ers and the Texans have yet to address to address cornerback, and will be selecting too late in the draft to make a run at Alabama’s Dee Milliner. The Texans gave up an ugly 29 passing touchdowns to 15 interceptions last season, compared to a more respectable 19-15 TD-INT ratio for the Niners. Both teams should have space under the salary cap to make a move for Asomugha if they desire.
In terms of pure fit, however, New Orleans is very attractive because of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. Asomugha played under Ryan for five years in Oakland, and nearly followed him to the Dallas Cowboys in 2011. If Asomugha is worried about how he will be used in his new defense, re-joining the man who oversaw Asomugha’s best seasons could be very tempting.
Asomugha was the biggest name on the free agent market two years ago for good reason. He turned himself into one of the top cover corners in the league over eight seasons with the Oakland Raiders. He struggled somewhat in Philadelphia, but in the right defense Asomugha still has the legs to be one of the best in the league.
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