After a failed stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, two-time All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha is a free agent once again after passing through waivers unclaimed.
With Asomugha a free agent and actively looking for work, the speculation has started to run rampant about a possible return to the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders are coming off the worst defensive performance of the season giving up 49 points to the Philadelphia Eagles and a familiar face in the secondary may be a welcome sight in Oakland.
According to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com, bringing back Asomugha might not be in the cards for GM Reggie McKenzie:
It’s hard to imagine general manager Reggie McKenzie shelling out big bucks for a 32-year-old cornerback whose coverage skills have diminished at a rapid rate the past two years and was a healthy scratch the past three games for the 49ers, who signed him to a one-year, $1.35-million contract. Plus, Asomugha thrived in man-to-man defenses in Oakland … and the Raiders rarely play that brand of defense anymore. At least, not exclusively.
Rookie corner D.J. Hayden was absolutely torched by Riley Cooper in Week 9 giving up 139 yards and three touchdowns to the receiver. Obviously,
the Raiders have a lot of faith in Hayden and consider him the future leader of the Oakland defense, but adding Nnamdi into the mix might help in terms of a leadership role much like fellow veteran Charles Woodson.
Gutierrez believes it wouldn’t be much of a gamble and ultimately beneficial:
Still, what team could not use a veteran presence with little to no off-the-field baggage, one who could help show first-round pick D.J. Hayden a thing or two, along with Charles Woodson?
With Asomugha clearing waivers on Tuesday, no teams have come calling or have expressed any interest in the veteran corner. That may very well change in the coming days or if any injuries occur in Week 10, but as of right now he remains unemployed and waiting for a call.
