2011 NFL Free Agency: What Teams Are in the Running for Nnamdi Asomugha?

The 2011 NFL offseason is in full swing, with plenty of rumors beginning about the NFL Draft and top free agents.

This years free-agent class could be a big one, with the biggest name being Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.

Though the Raiders could be in play for him in free agency, there is a good chance Asomugha will either go to a contender or a team that gives in to his demands by making him the highest-paid corner back in football.

With plenty of speculation going on about which teams will be in the running for his services, I am here today to give the true contenders—along with the pretenders—for the teams in the running for Asomugha.

I am a NFL Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com. Follow me on twitter: twitter.com/MattMiselis

Pittsburgh Steelers

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter of Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty

Pittsburgh Steelers: Pretenders

Over the last week, there has been constant speculation that the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to make a play for Asomugha because of their lack of depth at cornerback.

I will put this to rest now. The Pittsburgh Steelers will not be making a run at Asomugha.

The team hasn't made a run at a free agent in recent memory, especially not for guys who want top dollar.

With placing the franchise tag on LaMarr Woodley, the Steelers need to focus on locking up their own guys to extensions this offseason.

Look for Pittsburgh to address cornerback through the draft.

Baltimore Ravens

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 09: Linebacker Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up prior to playing the Kansas City Chiefs in their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 9, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Doug Pen

Baltimore Ravens: Pretenders

The Baltimore Ravens have been one of the few teams mentioned constantly as a team that will be in the running for Nnamdi Asomugha.

Its highly unlikely a move like this will happen, and there are a few reasons:

A. The Ravens need to focus on signing defensive tackle Haloti Ngata long-term, who will want top dollar.

B. Joe Flacco and Ray Rice will command new contracts in the next year or so.

C. Cornerback will likely be addressed through the draft for the Ravens.

D. They simply don't have the cap space to do so. Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs and Anquan Boldin already have big salaries, and Ed Reed was looking for a new contract last year.

E. If the Ravens are going to spend money on a cornerback, they are more likely to go after Champ Bailey, as he won't command top dollar.

Don't expect the Ravens to sign Asomugha this offseason.

Green Bay Packers

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Tramon Williams #38 and Charles Woodson #21 of the Green Bay Packers warm up before taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Get

Green Bay Packers: Pretenders

This past week the Green Bay Packers have been rumored to be in the running for Nnamdi.

It may be possible they considered him, but it isn't going to happen.

The Packers have solid depth at cornerback already, and it's not worth upsetting Charles Woodson or any of the other starters. It wouldn't be a good idea.

Besides, the Packers are the champions, which means many of their talented stars are going to want raises.

Asomugha won't be a Packer in 2011.

New York Jets

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets reacts during their 19 to 24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ronald Martinez

New York Jets: Pretenders

There has been talk for months about the possibility of Nnamdi Asomugha wanting to come to New York and play for Rex Ryan's defense.

From a financial standpoint, it isn't very likely a move like this will happen.

The Jets need to focus on whether or not they will be able to bring back both Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards.

David Harris has already been tagged, leaving not much cap room available.

More important, if the Jets gave Asomugha a huge contract, it would put them in a very uncomfortable position with Darelle Revis, who was unable to get this deal last offseason.

Philadelphia Eagles

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Head coach Andy Reid of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on against the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris

Philadelphia Eagles: Contenders

The Eagles have been rumored to show interest in Asomugha, and I expect them to be in the running for him.

Philadelphia has never been of shy of targeting big-time players in the offseason, and this year is no different.

The secondary is a question mark this year, especially when Asante Samuel isn't showing desire to play football at times.

Aside from the offensive line, the offense is intact, with Michael Vick leading the way.

However, the defense has not been the same for the last few seasons, and an Asomugha signing may change that.

Dallas Cowboys

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 17: Owner Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys attends the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field on October 17, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Dallas Cowboys: Contenders

The Dallas Cowboys are always rumored to be in the market for top free agents, but this offseason Jerry Jones may open up the bank and sign Asomugha.

After a disappointing season in Dallas, its clear the Cowboys defense does need some work. The first question mark to take care of is the secondary, which lacks a shutdown corner.

An Asomugha signing would be a huge upgrade for this Cowboys team and give the fans confidence that this team can return to the playoffs in 2011.

Washington Redskins

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LANDOVER - SEPTEMBER 12: Owner Daniel Snyder of the Washington Redskins walks the sidelines before the NFL season opener against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on September 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins defeated the Cowboys 13-7. (Photo

The Washington Redskins are bound to be in the sweepstakes for Nnamdi Asomugha.

Owner Daniel Snyder has proved he is not afraid to offer money to the biggest stars, and he will be active in free agency this year.

With Donovan McNabb likely on his way out of Washington along with Albert Haynesworth, Snyder will have money to spend.

Asomugha would be his biggest target.

Conclusion

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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)

Based on the list, it is clear there won't be a big market for Nnamdi Asomugha.

With the uncertainty of the CBA, not many teams will consider the idea of giving out a ton of money to one player.

I do believe the Oakland Raiders will be in the running for Asomugha, but I left them off the list, as I wanted to focus strictly on new teams.

What other teams do you think could be in the running for Asomugha? Feel free to voice your opinion!