NFL Free Agency Rumors: How the Fate of Nnamdi Asomugha Could Affect NFC North

Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News writes that free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha will choose among the following four teams: Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, and Philadelphia Eagles. 

Fans of the NFC North division's Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings certainly hope the talented corner chooses either the Texans or Eagles, as this guy is a difference maker.

The Lions are considered the longshot of the four because they have about $16 million to spend and it is speculated that it might take between $18-$20 million annually to sign the former Raider.

The defending champion Packers are already going to be tough to beat, Not only do they return the best QB in the division in Aaron Rodgers, but many of the injured players that missed parts or all of last season.

Adding Asomugha to their roster might just be the final straw that breaks the Bears backs.

It is not often that a player of his caliber hits free agency, especially someone who just turned 30.

He has never made the playoffs in eight seasons, so Asomugha may prefer to sign with Green Bay or Philadelphia, given that their chances at a title dwarf those of Detroit or Houston in the near term.

While teams like the Lions may be better off spreading the wealth amongst a couple of players, the Packers know they are smack dab in the middle of a championship window and may be willing to take the plunge.

Yet it must be tempting, as this is an immediate impact player who is arguably the best at his position (with apologies to Darrelle Revis of the Jets).

Apparently it isn't tempting to the Bears, who will not be suitors for Asomugha, who has been elected to the Pro Bowl each of the past three seasons. 

Asomugha was recently ranked No. 18 on the list of NFL Network's Top 100 NFL players of 2011. Teams just don't throw the ball to his side of the field.

Meanwhile, Houston has some exciting players on offense, but produced a 6-10 record in 2010, in large part due to the worst pass defense in the NFL.

The Lions improved their defensive passer rating last year and it earned them four more wins. So adding a guy like Asomugha could move them up to eight or nine victories, though they still may fall short of contending.

If you think that rating doesn't matter, consider that the team that ranked first overall was Green Bay. AFC Champion Pittsburgh Steelers ranked second.

The NFC North should be a more competitive division this year than in 2010. The Lions should continue to improve, with or without Asomugha, and the Bears and Packers are coming off winning seasons.

Look, the Packers certainly seem like the team to beat. If they get Asomugha, they will be that much stronger.