Philadelphia Eagles: Reasons Opposing Signing Nnamdi Asomugha

The Philadelphia Eagles seem poised to make a run at the best defensive player on the market.

Nnamdi Asomugha is the best cornerback in the league. He is the true definition of a shutdown corner and could form an unheard of tandem with Asante Samuel.

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?

There are always downsides though to investing so much money into one player.

Here are the cons for signing Asomugha:

Asomugha Will Be 30 Years Old Next Season

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OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 28: Nnamdi Asomugha #21 of the Oakland Raiders stands on the sidelines during the closing minutes of their loss to the Miami Dolphins at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 28, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra S

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

In July, Asomugha will turn 30, the age when players usually start to show a decline. Asomugha, though, could be the exception because he has been playing at such a high level for the past few years.

But Asomugha has a notable history of injuries, and getting older will not help anyone become healthier.

Free Agent and Trade Market Deep with Younger, Inexpensive Corners

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CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 10: Jonathan Joseph #22 of the Cincinnati Bengals almost intercepts a pass intended for Alvis Whitted #87 of the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter on December 10, 2006 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Beng

Though signing Asomugha would give the Eagles a great tandem, there will be less expensive players hitting the market.

The hole at right corner is a big one, but the Eagles do not have to fill it with the best corner on the market, especially with other talented cornerbacks hitting free agency.

Corners like Jonathan Joseph and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie are close to an elite level, while others like Antonio Cromartie, Brent Grimes, and Richard Marshall can prove to be solid mainstays on the right side for years to come.

Would Give Eagles Two of the Highest-Paid Players at Corner

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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)

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 the cornerback position.

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 cornerback when there could be cheaper alternatives?

Both Samuel and Asomugha would be 30 entering next season.

They will start to show decline at about the same time, so the Eagles should have a solution.

I guess that is why the developmental Curtis Marsh was drafted, though.

Signing Would Emphasize Asante Samuel's Flaws

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PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 21: Asante Samuel #22 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after an interception in the second quarter against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field on November 21, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nick Lah

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

Teams would run at Samuel, instead of Asomugha who is a physical defender. Samuel 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 routes.