The San Francisco 49ers came into the offseason prepared to rebuild a struggling defense. Instead of going after a few smaller players, the 49ers are going after All-Pro defensive stars. With safety Dashon Goldson departing San Francisco for Tampa Bay, the 49ers continue to have holes to fill on the defensive side of the roster. They are now reportedly going after two of the biggest free agents left on the market, Nnamdi Asomugha and Charles Woodson.
Both players have experience playing together. Woodson's final three seasons with the Oakland Raiders overlapped with Asomugha's first three seasons with the team. The reunion between the two could possibly happen eight years later in San Francisco. Former Green Bay Packer Woodson met with the 49ers on Wednesday to discuss a possible signing with the team, while Asomugha met with 49ers officials on Thursday while also gaining attention from the New Orleans Saints. The addition of both stars would make San Francisco have one of the most deadly defensive units in the league.
Asomugha earned $21 million over two seasons while with the Philadelphia Eagles. However he failed to live up to the large earnings and the Eagles no longer felt he was worth the money. Since being released at the start of free agency, he has visited team from Oakland to New Orleans. At 31, Asomugha is on the older side of the NFL, however he still possesses the talents of a highly productive cornerback. He has familiarity of the West Coast. He played college football at the University of California, along with multiple years with the Raiders where he earned Pro Bowl trips. A move back west to a new team could be what Asomugha needs to get his career moving again.
36-year old Woodson is set on signing with a team that is ready to win a Super Bowl ring. Having missed nine games last season due to a broken collarbone, Woodson is healed and ready to play again. Despite his age, his skills are not declining; however a team will be unwilling to sign him to a long-term contract. The 49ers are in desperate need of a safety and Woodson could be a fit.
While it seems unlikely the 49ers will be able to sign both players, they are certainly giving it their best effort. Reuniting the high-profiled duo could prove extremely fruitful for the 49ers. They both offer plenty of versatility and would make the team's secondary more dynamic for an imroving NFC West.
