2011 NFL Free Agency Rumors: 10 Teams In Play for Nnamdi Asomugha

Nnamdi Asomugha is one of the best corners in the NFL today. The good news for teams across the league is that Asomugha will now be an unrestricted free agent and one of the hottest commodities in this year's NFL offseason.

Asomugha's contract with the Raiders contained a clause that voided the deal if the star cornerback failed to achieve certain incentives. It also prevented the Raiders from being able to franchise him for a one-year deal. So now, he will hit the free agent market.

 Asomugha has the decision to either resign with the Raiders or take his talents elsewhere. There are a number of teams that will be interested in adding this talented corner to their roster, and with the opportunity to get out of Oakland and play on a better team, Asomugha could very well become one of the most talked about stars in the NFL for years to come.

Lets break this down and take a look at 10 teams that will have the best shot at landing Asomugha.

10. New York Jets

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OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 03: Nnamdi Asomugha #21 of the Oakland Raiders in action against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on January 3, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Would it even be considered fair to have Darrelle Revis and Nnamdi Asomugha in the same defensive backfield?

While it might seem somewhat outrageous, don't put it past Jets coach Rex Ryan to try and make a push to make this happen. Ryan is a defensive minded coach, who wants to do everything in his power to make sure that he has the best defense in the league.

If Revis and Cromartie didn't form the best secondary in the league, why not try and move on to Revis and Asomugha. It really can't get much better than that.

9. Oakland Raiders

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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 14: Randy Moss #81 of the New England Patriots runs against Nnamdi Asomugha #21 of the Oakland Raiders during an NFL game on December 14, 2008 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/

While it's not likley, there is always a chance that Asomugha could decide to stay with the Raiders.

While speaking on ESPN about the possibility of returning to Oakland, Asomugha said,  “I would love to be back, but you know like we said, anything can happen and I do have options. So, well see what happens”

Like he said...Anything can happen.

8. Detroit Lions

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OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 28: Nnamdi Asomugha #21 of the Oakland Raiders looks on during the game against the San Diego Chargers on September 28, 2008 at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

The Lions are one of those teams that finished the season on a strong note and should continue to improve over the next couple of years.

But, one huge hole that Detroit must address in the off season is singing a cornerback. Asomugha could be just their guy. He has to like the idea of playing with a defensive line that is able to put pressure on the quarterback. During the season, the Lions defense recorded 44 sacks, which ranked fourth best in the league.

Chris Houston very well could be gone next year, and what an upgrade it would be for the Lions if they could put Asomugha in the Silver and Honolulu Blue.

7. Washington Redskins

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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 13: Nnamdi Asomugha #21 of the Oakland Raiders stands on the field during their game against the Washington Redskins at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 13, 2009 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The Redskins struggled in many aspects this season, but one in particular was their pass defense.

Asomugha is a hot free agent and when it comes to free agents, the Redskins are always in the mix. The main reason for that is  because of owner Daniel Snyder, who is willing to spend any money needed if it means improving his team.

By bringing in Asomugha, the Redskins would instantly improve their defense, and they would have the chance to add a top notch defensive player with their draft pick as well.

6. San Diego Chargers

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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 10: Malcom Floyd #80 of the San Diego Chargers catches a ball while defended by Nnamdi Asomugha #21 of the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 10, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Ima

Reports out of San Diego have been that the Chargers are ready and prepared to make a run at signing Asomugha.

While this might not be his No. 1 choice, one would have to assume that Asomugha likes the idea of making a short move to San Diego, as well as playing for a winning team, something he has not been accustomed to playing in Oakland.

The Chargers have had some big loses on the defensive end in the past couple of years with guys like Shawne Merriman and Antonio Cromartie leaving town. San Diego struggled in pass defense and adding Asomugha would certainly help their numbers improve in that category.

5. Denver Broncos

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DENVER - NOVEMBER 23: Wide receiver Brandon Marshall #15 of the Denver Broncos leaves the line of scrimmage against cornerback Nnamdi Asomgha #21 of the Oakland Raiders during week 12 NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High on November 23, 2008 in Denve

The Broncos might be in more desperate need for a top-notch corner than any other team in the NFL as it stands right now.

It seemed as if opposing teams scored at will against the Broncos in 2010. They allowed just under 30 points per game, which ranked last in the NFL. In addition to that, cornerback Champ Bailey is turning 33 this year and is nearing retirement.

The Broncos need to make this move and will likely do whatever they can in order to make sure that it can happen.

4. Houston Texans

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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 29: Nnamdi Asomugha #21 of the Oakland Raiders runs with the ball on an interception for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 29, 2006 at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Imag

The Broncos might have had the worst pass defense in the NFL this season, but the Houston Texans were right there with them.

The Texans' defense was dead last in the NFL, allowing 267.5 yards per game. If they were able to land Asomugha, he would make the perfect replacement for Dunta Robinson who went to Atlanta last off-season.

The Texans are on the verge of being a playoff team, but when you play in the same division as Peyton Manning, you need a top notch corner. Asomugha could be just that guy.

3. Green Bay Packers

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SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 17: Nnamdi Asomugha #21 of the Oakland Raiders breaks up a pass intended for Michael Crabtree #15 of the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on October 17, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The Packers secondary has been exceptional thus far in the postseason, but they do need to sure up some holes there.

Having a secondary of Asomugha, Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams would be any defensive coaches dream. One huge factor for a move to the Packers is Asomugha’s close friendship with Woodson.

The Packers might not have the biggest need for Asomugha, but they certainly have a want for him.

2. Dallas Cowboys

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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 17: Nnamdi Asomugha #21 of the Oakland Raiders jogs on the field during an NFL game against the St. Louis Rams at McAfee Coliseum December 17, 2006 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

It would be an understatement to say that the Dallas Cowboys' secondary did not live up to expectations this season.

With that said, the Cowboys have to address the corner position either through free agency, trade or the NFL draft.  Team owner and general manager Jerry Jones will do whatever it takes to get his team back as a contender, and if that means shelling out a lot of money to sign Asomugha, so be it.

This would be a huge pickup for the Cowboys if they are going to get back to NFL relevance in 2011.

1. Philadelphia Eagles

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PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 25: Wide receiver Greg Lewis #83 of the Philadelphia Eagles reaches for a pass against cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha #21 of the Oakland Raiders during their game on September 25, 2005 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Penn

Once it was made clear that Asomugha was going to be hitting the free agent market, the Philadelphia Eagles made it clear that this shutdown corner was at the top of their priority list and they would do whatever is needed to sign the All-Pro corner.

The Eagles struggled with their pass defense this year. In fact, that was one major area that stopped them from advancing farther in the NFC playoffs this season. Can't you just hear Philli fans screaming this guys name and talking about what a great addition he would make to this team?

One thing is for certain, lining up Asomugha opposite of Asante Samuel would make for one of the best defensive backfields in all of football.