NFL 2011 Free Agency: Where Nnamdi Asomugha Could Land
Nnamdi Asomugha looks to be one of the most coveted free agents this offseason. Where he could land has already sparked debate around the NFL.
Thoughts of him teaming up with other mega-star cornerbacks and creating a deadly pass defense are being heavily considered.
But what are the chances for each team to get the Pro Bowl cornerback?
Ranking System
Highly Unlikely
Unlikely
Possible
Potential
Highly Possible
Carolina Panthers
1 of 32
No shot. Asomugha has stated "It's time to move to a proven winner."
Carolina's rebuilding process doesn't fit this. No way he will sign a contract with Carolina.
Chances of Asomugha in Carolina: Highly Unlikely
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2 of 32
Tampa has a great young team that contended until the end for the last wildcard spot.
Ronde Barber's contract is up at the end of the season but, the development of players like Aqib Talib and E.J. Biggers.
When you look at it, Tampa's owners don't like to spend much money. Asomugha most likely won't end up in Tampa Bay.
Chances of Asomugha in Tampa Bay: Highly Unlikely
Atlanta Falcons
3 of 32
Falcons can't offer the amount of money Asomugha will command and continue to build their great young team.
They are more likely to sign cornerback Champ Bailey to play safety if he becomes available. Other then that Asomugha is way to expensive for Atlanta.
Chances of Asomugha in Atlanta: Highly Unlikely
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New Orleans Saints
4 of 32
The Saints are one team that would be better of using the money they would put into Asomugha on other positions.
The Saints could easily better their front seven guys and draft a cornerback. The Saints would better off following that plan then dumping a ton of money on one player.
Chances of Asomugha in New Orleans: Highly Unlikely
Buffalo Bills
5 of 32
Like the Panthers there is no shot this can happen. Buffalo is going through a rebuilding process and can't contend in the AFC East yet.
Chances of Asomugha in Buffalo: Highly Unlikely
Miami Dolphins
6 of 32
I don't think this one is a possibility. Miami should worry about dumping money into a quarterback before they go for Asomugha.
Their offense needs a ton of work and their pass defense was 8th in passing yards allowed per game.
Chances of Asomugha in Miami: Unlikely
New England Patriots
7 of 32
The Patriots won't be likely to break the bank for Asomugha instead choosing to grow the players they have already.
They could use Asomugha in the secondary and I'm sure he would love to play for New England but, the Patriots don't spend tons of money unless they think it's absolutely worth it.
To have two of the highest paying contracts of the league on the Patriots is unlikely to happen (Brady and Asomugha). But they could be a tad interested in Nnamdi. Depending on whether the CBA will have a salary cap or not.
Chances of Asomugha in New England: Unlikely
New York Jets
8 of 32
The Jets are a team that have been linked to Asomugha and are considered "unlikely" to sign the cornerback.
The Jets are a destination Asomugha wants to go to and the Jets have done some crazy and unexpected things in the past. I wouldn't put it past the Jets to make this move but it would put them in a serious bind with money.
Still, I don't put anything past the Jets front office. When it comes to General Manager Mike Tannenbaum, anything is possible.
Chances of Asomugha in New York: Potential
Philadelphia Eagles
9 of 32
Philadelphia already meets one criteria for Asomugha: They're a contender. But, is it really possible for him to play in the city of Brotherly Love?
It could conceivably happen. Philadelphia already has Asante Samuel and to add Asomugha to that would give the Eagles a deadly secondary.
They were ranked 15th in passing yards allowed this past season and, with Asomugha, would only improve on that.
The Eagles need to find someone to help protect Vick more then Asomugha but, how could you pass up the opportunity to sign the biggest defensive player on the market?
But you look at it and how much Asante is being paid, can the Eagles really afford two highly paid cornerbacks and then give Michael Vick the high priced contract he's going to ask for after the 2011 season?
Like Sports Illustrated's Peter King said when asked if the Eagles could sign Nnamdi "No way. You can't have two CBs making 24m on the cap."
I think that answers that but, we'll give Philadelphia a little more credit in their pursuit. They have a great front office and could find some way to get some cap room to fill all their desires.
He is an instant upgrade alongside Asante.
Chances of Asomugha in Philadelphia: Possible
New York Giants
10 of 32
The Giants secondary was pretty solid this season. They have solid young corners (none of which are older then 28) and will probably look to develop those young corners.
They meet the contender criteria but they most likely won't get into a high-price bidding war for Asomugha.
There's a chance he could end up in New York, just not with Big Blue. It's more likely he could end up with Gang Green.
The Giants could still be interested but their chances aren't great.
The thought of the Giants having their own version of Revis (It's debatable if he is or isn't better) is certainly something that could bring a smile back to New York after a disappointing end to their season.
Chances of Asomugha in New York: Unlikely
Dallas Cowboys
11 of 32
I think one of the top teams to bid for Nnamdi Asomugha is going to be the Dallas Cowboys. They could his services to help make their defense even better.
Asomugha would instantly lift this defense, and team, back to the top of NFC East. But the problem is the salary cap.
They would have to restructure the team to help bring in Asomugha. Unless he is willing to take a pay cut to play in Big D, they will have problems bidding for his services.
Regardless of that I think that Dallas is still a team of interest to watch and a serious contender. They always like those nice and shiny high caliber free agents.
Chances of Asomugha in Dallas: Potential
Washington Redskins
12 of 32
Depending on what happens with free-agent-to-be Carlos Rogers could determine the move for Asomugha.
Shanahan will most likely purge his roster this season freeing up a lot of cap space for his team.
But honestly what would be the benefit for spending a good chunk of it on one player when you already have DeAngelo Hall and Rogers coming at a much cheaper price tag.
I don't think Washington will land Asomugha but they might be a little interested.
Chances of Asomugha in Washington: Unlikely
Detroit Lions
13 of 32
Detroit has a great young team that's starting to develop. Their defense especially under head coach Jim Schwartz.
The Lions could be players for the 3-time Pro Bowl cornerback. But, their defense has so much upside and potential that Asomugha probably will be an afterthought.
They should worry more about making the most out of their young defense that had sparks of brilliance last season.
Chances of Asomugha in Detroit: Unlikely
Minnesota Vikings
14 of 32
The Vikings have a lot of upcoming free agents and will soon have to shell out money for a new contract for Adrian Peterson. Not having to pay Favre will significantly help the teams chances.
The bidding is going to reach huge figures quickly and the Vikings could surely be knocked out quick.
They don't have as much money necessary and with the possibility of shelling out money for a new stadium owner Zygi Wilf might not reach so deep in his pockets.
Chances of Asomugha in Minnesota: Unlikely
Chicago Bears
15 of 32
They're offensive line could use the money that they would dish out on Asomugha. They don't really need to sign Asomugha.
They most likely won't sign Asomugha but instead chase after Johnathan Joseph at a more affordable price or look to draft a cornerback in the mid-rounds.
Chances of Asomugha in Chicago: Highly Unlikely
Green Bay Packers
16 of 32
One of the more interesting possibilities in the Nnamdi Asomugha sweepstakes this offseason.
Nnamdi has said he wants to play on Green Bay alongside his best friend, Charles Woodson.
General manager Ted Thompson does not spend money on free agents. Charles Woodson being his biggest name acquisition in free agency.
The signing of Asomugha would signal the movement of Woodson to safety and line-up with cornerback Tramon Williams.
But, the development of Sam Shields could take precedence in Thompson's mind as he loves developing the talent he drafts.
But, Thompson also loves having depth on his team as shown by this season's replacement players.
Thompson loves having cap room and has plenty of it and could dish it out on Asomugha. With Asomugha the Packers secondary contains a quartet of possible Pro Bowlers.
Woodson, Collins, Williams and Asomugha? Good luck passing on that secondary.
Former Oakland Raiders beat writer David White has come out to say that he will most likely end up in Green Bay or with the New York Jets.
Well, he knows Asomugha best and it's a good possibility he could end up wearing the Packers colors come next season.
Chances of Asomugha in Green Bay: Highly Possible
Oakland Raiders
17 of 32
This could be a tough one to call but honestly I don't think he returns to Oakland. They could offer him something close to his actual contract, or try to entice him with something a little bigger.
He could be interested in returning to Oakland and, the money to return, could be too intriguing for him to turn down.
Chances of Asomugha in Oakland: Potential
San Diego Chargers
18 of 32
Wow what a big signing that would be. Nnamdi Asomugha signing with the Raiders biggest division rival?
It would kill Raider fans to see him wearing the enemies jersey. It's a pretty big way to send a message to your former team.
But the actuality of this deal happening doesn't seem like a great possibility.
They were one of the top teams in pass defense last season ranking 1st passing yards allowed per game and were 5th in passing touchdowns against.
I think whatever defensive coordinator comes in next will build off of the personnel he has.
Chances of Asomugha in San Diego: Highly Unlikely
Denver Broncos
19 of 32
The Broncos are rebuilding and I don't think they would give this idea any thought. He is going to be asking for a high priced contract and the Broncos rebuilding doesn't put them in the position to offer him big money.
They are losing Champ Bailey this season and will try to re-sign him, hoping that he will take a pay cut and last through yet another rebuilding year in Denver.
Like other teams that money could be spent well elsewhere and will end up paying big money for their rookie (Unless the new CBA makes a rookie pay scale).
They could show a little interest but I don't see Asomugha going to a rebuilding team.
Chances of Asomugha in Denver: Highly Unlikely
Kansas City Chiefs
20 of 32
They have expiring contracts of Brandon Carr and Brandon Flowers.
Kansas City will most likely stick with their cornerbacks and hope they reach the potential they show. I don't think Kansas City would be willing to break the bank for Asomugha.
Chances of Asomugha in Kansas City: Unlikely
Pittsburgh Steelers
21 of 32
Resurrecting the Steel Curtain with the addition of Asomugha to one of the NFL's best historical defenses.
Pittsburgh, year in, year out, have one of the top defenses in the league. Dick LeBeau knows how to run his defense.
But honestly, Asomugha is going to ask for a big contract and I don't think Pittsburgh will be able to afford Nnamdi's demand. He was scheduled to make at least $16 million in his final season in Oakland.
Chances of Asomugha in Pittsburgh: Highly Unlikely
Baltimore Ravens
22 of 32
Honestly Asomugha could land up in Baltimore. They are a contender and could offer him some money.
But, they have put a lot of money into cornerback Dominique Foxworth. The possibility of him anchoring that defense with Ed Reed roaming around is a scary thought.
Baltimore's cornerbacks could use an upgrade and well, Asomugha is that upgrade they need. Not to mention one serious game-changer on a top defense.
Chances of Asomugha in Baltimore: Potential
Cleveland Browns
23 of 32
Much like Carolina, Cleveland has a 0% chance to sign Asomugha. They're rebuilding and won't contend for a while, especially in the AFC North.
Chances of Asomugha in Cleveland: Highly Unlikely
Cincinnati Bengals
24 of 32
No way. Sorry Bengal fans but Asomugha will probably go elsewhere.
That money will most likely go to other spots and other positions. The Bengals won't dive into a bidding war for the cornerback.
Chances of Asomugha in Cincinnati: Highly Unlikely
Jacksonville Jaguars
25 of 32
Asomugha in Jacksonville seems like a shot. But have the Jags learned from their past endeavors spending money on aging veterans?
Asomugha will most likely perform at a high level next season (By most likely I mean me and the rest of the world are 99% positive he will).
But someone who is willing to spend more money will most likely rip Asomugha away from a Jaguar destination.
Mathis to safety and then either Cox or using their 16th selection in the 2011 NFL draft to get a solid number two corner alongside him? Sounds like a legitimate possibility.
But how far does Jacksonville's pockets go?
Chances of Asomugha in Jacksonville: Possible
Indianapolis Colts
26 of 32
Just two things to keep in mind with the Colts:
1) Peyton Manning's contract
2) They don't really sign big name players
Asomugha, as much as they may need him on defense, won't be a Colt. Too much they would have to do to be able to offer him his kind of contract.
Chances of Asomugha in Indianapolis: Highly Unlikely
Tennessee Titans
27 of 32
The Titans have a solid secondary and are in no desperate need for Asomugha. The money they would spend on Asomugha could better be spent on a linebacker or another position (Quarterback perhaps?).
The Titans secondary had a down year and can bounce back next season. Owner Bud Adams won't shell out a ton of money on a position they don't really need.
Chances of Asomugha in Tennessee: Highly Unlikely
Houston Texans
28 of 32
The Houston pass defense is in need of some serious help. With Wade Phillips coming in to help rearrange the defense wouldn't it be nice for him to have one of the top corners in the league?
Houston should pay Asomugha. There is no question that it's the pass defense that needs the most help on that team.
Signing Asomugha would significantly help their chances. Houston could use him deeply, with Asomugha on the field the safety can roam around because Asomugha will shut down the team's number one wide receiver.
Owner Bob McNair could be enticed by Asomugha. The money could be there as well.
Chances of Asomugha in Houston: Potential
Seattle Seahawks
29 of 32
Nnamdi going to Seattle? That team that was 7-9?
Well, Seattle technically is a playoff contender. They did beat the Saints and have a small shot to beat Chicago this weekend. But the fact is St. Louis is nipping at their heels in the NFC West.
With Hasselbeck on his way out and Seattle's offense being iffy, they should focus more on investing their money on rebuilding the offense.
The defense with Tatupu and Trufant can handle itself. The money is too expensive for them to sign Asomugha and not have a quarterback that could lead them to the playoffs consistently.
Chances of Asomugha in Seattle: Highly Unlikely
Arizona Cardinals
30 of 32
Again, like Carolina it's got almost no shot. They have Rodgers-Cromartie being groomed and they aren't really contending for anything besides a top pick next season.
Chances of Asomugha in Arizona: Highly Unlikely
San Francisco 49ers
31 of 32
Another Bay Area rival for Asomugha? Yeah even more of a dagger into the hearts of Oakland fans.
49er fans will be clamoring for their team to sign him after they were able to poach Jim Harbaugh away from Stanford.
Now they will clamoring for their team to steal Asomugha away from free agency and rip the hearts out of Oakland fans.
The 49ers do have a need for a cornerback, especially over Nate Clements (I feel for you 49er fans).
They could dig deep for the cornerback and is a good possible destination for Asomugha, especially if he doesn't want to leave the Bay Area.
Chances of Asomugha in San Francisco: Potential
St. Louis Rams
32 of 32
This wouldn't be a bad destination but the Rams will most likely spend money on other needs. The money they will most likely spend on Asomugha could be put to great use elsewhere.
The Rams most likely won't go after the cornerback due to his high priced nature.
Chances of Asomugha in St. Louis: Highly Unlikely
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