Nnamdi Asomugha Rumors: 4 NFL Teams Hot on the Heels of the Free Agent CB

Nnamdi Asomugha is the prize of the 2011 NFL Free Agency period, and the competition for his services appears to be down to just a few teams.

While numerous franchises had an interest in acquiring his services, few have the financial resources and playoff pedigree to attract his attention.  Asomugha wants to win, and at least one franchise believes he'd be willing to play for less money to be in the right situation.

This is a short list today, but Twitter updates indicate it could actually be a two-horse race right now.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: Outside Looking in

I'm keeping Philadelphia on this list because they could be the best fit for Asomugha.  

Granted, it appears they are finishing a deal for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, which will provide an answer to much of their cornerback concerns.  They even jumped the gun just a bit when they released his jersey in their team store earlier today.

The two sides are still expected to reach an agreement, but the Eagles are asking for more than what Kolb is worth to the Cardinals at this time.  If this deal fizzles, the Eagles could quickly re-enter the Asomugha sweepstakes.

3. Houston Texans: Trying to Get over the Hump

The Houston Texans have been on the edge of the playoffs for several seasons.  2010 started off looking like the year, as the Texans went 4-2 headed into their bye week.

A four-game losing streak following their week off sent their playoff hopes bye-bye, though.  

They lost a four-way tie-breaker of 9-7 teams for two playoff spots in 2009, and were 8-8 the prior two seasons.

Houston's passing defense took a huge step backwards last season when they lost Dunta Robinson in free agency.  They fell from middle-of-the-pack to dead-last in passing yards per game.  They have a few other holes to fill, too, but draft-day additions of J.J. Watt and Brooks Reed should certainly help.

Houston is likely weighing how ready their team is to compete in 2011 vs. stocking for the future.  The selection of Brandon Harris could provide the needed upgrade at cornerback; he may not be ready to push Glover Quinn to the nickel slot, though, and Kareem Jackson still needs to elevate his game.

Adding Asomugha to their secondary would certainly escalate their growth, but the financial requirements could stunt their growth elsewhere.  The team needs to decide if Harris will be the answer.

If I was the Texans' GM, I'd be getting the checkbook out and let Harris try to supplant Jackson.

2. San Francisco 49ers: Struggling over a Few Million Dollars

San Francisco already has a big-contract cornerback on staff.  The problem is, Nate Clements hasn't given the elite play that would be dictated by his eight-year, $80 million deal.

Clements knows he has to re-work his contract to stay in San Francisco, but he will still be a large cap-hit.  His bonus money ($21 million in the first two years) is pro-rated over seven seasons (the eighth year has been voided).

Speculation prior to free agency was that San Francisco would make a hard run at Asomugha.  Reports continue that the 49ers are one of the final suitors, but their inability to get a deal done is a bad sign.  

Speculation was that Asomugha would use offers from interested teams to set his price and then market himself to his preferred landing spot.  If the 49ers are going to land Asomugha, they need to up their offer.  

1. New York Jets: Surprising Front-Runner

Just two days ago, I made what is looking like a fatal conclusion: The New York Jets didn't have the salary cap room to re-sign Santonio Holmes, a nose tackle, round out their roster and still be able to afford Asomugha.

Many sources are reporting that won't be an issue.

New York is a logical geographic location for Asomugha, as he wants to pursue an acting career.  

The Jets are the right franchise in the market, affording the amazing opportunity to play next to Darrelle Revis.  The Jets star cornerback stated he'd welcome the addition.

"He's the best cornerback in the league.  Me and him as a tandem would be unbelievable.  It would be awesome," Revis offered, showing an unexpected level of humility. 

"We want to see it. Hopefully it will happen."

The Jets were about $7.5 million over the salary cap when the week started and have signed Santonio Holmes to a five-year contract worth $50 million.  

However, as a sign the team is working with players to make room for Asomugha, his first-year cap hit is reported to be just $2.45 million.

Asomugha can get paid more elsewhere, as there are teams with the cap room to pay him.  It was expected that he would test the waters and see what teams were willing to pay him...and then give the Jets an opportunity to plead their case.

The longer it takes for a decision to be made, the better it looks for the Jets to sign Asomugha.

The unknown question is how much money Asomugha is willing to leave on the table to walk away and play for a team he thinks can win a Super Bowl.  Walking away from 10 or 15 percent may seem small, but when his contract could be worth over $60 million for four seasons, the cost is approaching $10 million.

One factor his agent should be working on is Asomugha's marketability.  San Francisco has a decent media market, but it can't compare to New York.  Could it be that endorsement deals and other appearances could bridge most of that gap...if not all of it?

The AFC may want to prepare themselves to see Asomugha in green, and apologies to the Jets fans for dismissing their ability to land the best cornerback in football.