The Philadelphia Eagles continue to tweak their roster under new head coach Chip Kelly. It was rumored that the new roster would no longer include cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. It is believed the Eagles will show Asomugha to door once free agency begins on March 12, however now conflicting reports are surfacing that the Eagles might attempt to retain the cornerback long-term.
According to league sources, Asomugha could see his future in Philadelphia extended. His upcoming salary would be a $15 million cap hit, but the Eagles might decide to pay him the money and bring him into training camp.
Asomugha has had an up and down two years in Philadelphia. Last season his production on the field struggled. He only made 55 tackles and failed to get an interception. Many believed the Eagles had seen enough. Asomugha had eight great seasons as an Oakland Raider before seeking free agency. The Eagles then grabbed him, signing him to a five-year, $60 million contract. During his time in Oakland, he was arguably one of the best cornerbacks in the league, but has since failed to play well.
The Eagles see Asomugha as overpaid and getting old. At 31-years old, he is now expendable for a team looking to get younger and create more cap space. However, according to reports, the team might see him as just needing a fresh start and attempt to resign him at a more cap friendly contract.
If released, Asomugha likely will not be able to ink a similar deal to the one he originally in Philly. While still talented, he does not possess the same skill set he once had in Oakland. There are many talented cornerbacks entering free agency and have a greater ceiling than Asomugha.
Philadelphia currently has the No. 4 overall pick in this year's NFL draft. They are expected to try and take Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner if he is still available. The Kansas City Chiefs are also interested in Milliner with the No. 1 overall pick.
