The cornerback position is in heavy demand during the free agency period. The wide receivers were taken first and now defense has the spotlight. Big time players like Nnamdi Asomugha are gaining headlines as he engages in serious talks with the New Orleans Saints after a team visit. Meanwhile, Brent Grimes is looking to sign a big deal as the Miami Dolphins pursue him.
After visits to both the 49ers and New Orleans Saints, Asomugha now has the ball in his court with a decision to make. The cornerback apparently enjoyed his time in San Francisco enough to take a physical for 49ers officials, but left the Bay Area without a deal in place. Now he is in discussions with the New Orleans Saints. Asomugha is best known for his time as an Oakland Raider where he was named All-Pro and put up career numbers. He spent his best years with the team while Rob Ryan was the defensive coordinator. Ryan now holds that same position with the Saints and a reunion between the two could be just what Asomugha needs to regain his elite status as a cornerback. The Saints are awaiting his decision before making any more moves during free agency. The 49ers have also said they are in a holding pattern while awaiting Asomugha's decision.
With Asomugha about to come off the market, Grimes is one of the best cornerbacks left. Grimes is coming off six seasons with the Falcons where he racked up 254 tackles, 56 passes defended and 13 interceptions. He tore his Achilles' tendon after the first game in 2012 and missed the remainder of the season. The Falcons had placed the franchise tag on Grimes prior to the 2012 season but go no use out of him when he got injured, they released once the offseason began. The Dolphins hosted Grimes for a visit and are in a big need for him. The team ranked 27th in the league in defense, giving up 248.4 passing yards per game. Their 10 interceptions on the season tied for fourth-fewest. He would be a perfect fit for the team if he is healthy enough at the start of the season.
Teams interested in Asomugha and Grimes need to sign them to deals sooner rather than later. The longer both cornerbacks sit on the market, the more valuable they become. Most of the big deals are expected to happen this week as NFL owners and coaches are in Phoenix for the NFL annual meeting.