There is no doubt that Nnamdi Asomugha is the most in-demand cornerback in this year's free agent market. After being released from the Philadelphia Eagles, Asomugha has drawn heavy interest from the San Francisco 49ers, visiting the team immediately after being released. Now the New Orleans Saints are entering the race bring in the free agent for a visit with the team, in hopes of reuniting Asomugha with his old defensive coordinator, Rob Ryan.
Asomugha was at his best when he played for the Oakland Raiders. In his eight years with the Raiders he had career numbers in tackles, was named All-Pro multiple years while also being named to the Pro Bowl. He excelled under defensive coordinator Rob Ryan who was with the Raiders during Asomugha's time in Oakland from 2004-08 and is now in the same position with the Saints. Asomugha was then traded to the Eagles in 2011 where he failed to live up to the expectations that had been placed on him. The Eagles felt he was no longer worth the heavy contract and released him.
The Saints are hoping a reunion with Ryan will bring Asomugha back to his old form. A fresh start with a new coordinator could be just what he needs to get back to his All-Pro playing abilities. At 31, Asomugha can still produce at a high level in the right environment. He would join and already crowded Saints' secondary. The team just signed Keenan Lewis and already Patrick Robinson and Jabari Greer who were starters in 2012. However, Asomugha has the stats to jump right in and take the secondary to another level. If they sign him, either Greer or Robinson would likely have to be released due to cap space.
The visit to the Saints could be to just drive the price for him up for the cornerback. Asomugha met with the 49ers on Thursday and even took a physical with the team. He is familiar with the West Coast, not only due to his time with the Raiders, but he played his college ball at University of California. He was rumored to be in serious discussions with the team about a contract.
Asomugha is unlikely to sign to a contract as high as he did with the Eagles. However a team will offer him big money. The Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans and Denver Broncos are all rumored to be in the race to sign Asomugha, however the Saints or the 49ers are the best fit.
