2011 NFL Free Agency: Nnamdi Asomugha Pros and Cons

The NFL's ultimate CB is hitting the free agent market. Nnamdi Asomugha is the best cornerback in the league.

Nnamdi Asomugha is the true definition of a shutdown corner and would do wonders for an awful Eagles defense.

The Eagles have a lot of money to play with and President Joe Banner even said, "There may be opportunities to get some great players that can make a difference at large salaries."

Is this a hint to the Eagles future?

Nevertheless, with signing any player, there are downsides.

So here are the pros and cons of signing Asomugha:

4. Pro: Gives Eagles The Best CB Tandem in The League

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 21: Asante Samuel #22 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs down field against Hakeem Nicks #88 of the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field on November 21, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images

The signing of Nnamdi Asomugha would give the Eagles a scary tandem at CB.

Do you throw at the best shutdown corner in the league? Or do you throw at the best play-making cornerback in the league in Samuel.

Asomugha would immediately take the pass defense to the next level.

4. Con: Signing Would Accentuate Asante Samuel's Flaws

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 28: Sidney Rice #18 of the Minnesota Vikings in action against Asante Samuel #22 of the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 28, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Asante Samuel had one of the best seasons of his career last season, but he is a gambler who can be beat.

Teams would also run at Samuel, who is a below-average tackler at the cornerback position. He is not the guy you want to rely on to make a one-on-one tackle in the open field.

Though Samuel is extremely smart at reading quarterbacks, he can be fooled by double moves and play action. Teams would target Samuel on many occasions, so he would have to be ready not to be fooled by those types of plays.

3. Pro: Eliminates One Side Of The Field

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SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 17: Nnamdi Asomugha #21 of the Oakland Raiders tackles 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)

Nnamdi Asomugha not only would eliminate one side of the field on pass plays, but on run plays as well.

Teams would run to the opposite side of Asomugha because of his great run-supporting skills.

At 6-2, 210, Asomugha can lay the wood and hit like a linebacker or safety. 

Opposing quarterbacks would have to make bad decisions with the ball, trying to fit the ball in tight windows and double coverage because one side of the field would be eliminated.

3. Con: Asomugha Will Be 30 Years Old Next Season

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SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 05: Nnamdi Asomugha #21 the Oakland Raiders looks on from the sideline against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 5, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 28-13. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Ge

The Eagles do not like giving out contracts to players that hit the age of 30.

However, Asomugha is an exception. When you have the chance to get the best player at a specific position, you must pounce on the opportunity. The Eagles could have an unheard-of tandem in Asomugha and Samuel, so giving a huge contract to Asomugha would be necessary.

Though Asomugha may show decline, he still has a lot of football left in him.

2. Pro: Allows For More Asante Samuel Interceptions

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 17: Asanti Samuel #22 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs back an interception against the Atlanta Falcons during their game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 17, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

Asante Samuel had seven interceptions in just 11 games last season with Dmitri Patterson starting opposite him.

Teams would target Samuel more, but Samuel is the smartest corner in the league. Unlike the Eagles coaching staff, Samuel knows how to adjust and will be able to read the quarterback's mind, to get into the spot to make an interception. 

Samuel would intercept many balls thrown his way with Asomugha shutting down the other side of the field.

2. Con: 2011 NFL Draft and Free Agency Deep With Corners

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 05: Champ Bailey #24 of the Denver Broncos during warm-ups prior to the start of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 5, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Though signing Asomugha would give the Eagles a great tandem, there will be cheaper players hitting the market and in the draft.

The Eagles may feel they do not need a player of Asomugha's caliber, but can still get a solid cover corner.

In the draft, there are solid guys: Patrick Peterson, Prince Amukamara, Brandon Harris, and Jimmy Smith.

In free agency, other than Asomugha, there are solid corners as well: Champ Bailey, Jonathan Joseph, Brent Grimes, and Antonio Cromartie.

Will the Eagles target one of those players instead of throwing all the money towards Asomugha?

1. Pro: Best Coverage Corner in The League

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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/

Nnamdi Asomugha was only targeted 29 times in 14 games last season, an astoundingly low number.

Teams know the capabilities of Asomugha and are smart not to test him because most of the time the ball would not be completed.

Asomugha has elite speed and size and can stick with any receiver in the league.

The Eagles employ man-to-man coverage, and Asomugha is the best in the league.

He can press and be physical at the line, but fits what the Eagles do on defense, opposite of Asante Samuel, who plays off the receiver.

1. Con: Gives The Eagles Two of The Highest Paid Players at Cornerback

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KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 25: Nnamdi Asomugha #21 of the Oakland Raiders breaks up a pass intended for Dwayne Bowe #82 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the game on November 25, 2007 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/

Though signing Asomugha would have a major impact on the defense, there is no denying the fact the Eagles would have to pay high figures for two players at cornerback.

Asomugha will want to be the highest paid cornerback in the league, and Samuel is scheduled to make about $9 million next season.

Championships are usually won on both sides of the line, so should the Eagles commit so much money to a player at cornerback when there could be cheaper alternatives?

Both Samuel and Asomugha would be 30 entering next season.

Final Decision: Pros Outweigh The Cons

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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 pros heavily outweigh the cons, and I think the Eagles would be smart in giving Nnamdi Asomugha a huge contract.

His impact could make this team into legitimate Super Bowl contenders.