Wish List: Nnamdi Asomugha

Posted by: Shaun Dolence

The Player: Nnamdi Asomugha

The Reason: A 6’2”, 210 pound cornerback. Need I say more? The average height of the cornerbacks on our roster is about 5’11”, and Kevin Hobbs and Marquis Floyd – special teams contributors at best – are the tallest of the bunch (both 6’0”). Of course, I’m not including Jordan Babineaux, because he is listed as a safety on the roster. But he isn’t massive either (6’0”), and it still doesn’t overshadow the size deficiencies of a couple of the other backs: Josh Wilson at 5’9”, 192 pounds, and Kelly Jennings at 5’11”, 180 pounds (on a good day). Even casual fans have noticed the overall lack of size, especially this season when they were getting exposed play after play.

Tired of watching tall receivers overshadow and outplay our smaller corners? Worried about Larry Fitzgerald embarrassing the Seahawks for years to come? Bring in Nnamdi Asomugha, a former safety in college and cornerback for the Oakland Raiders who may find himself on the open market in free agency. No one will dispute that Asomugha is one of the elite corners in the league right now; some may even argue that he is the best cornerback playing football.

Though Asomugha has only recorded two interceptions in the past two seasons, one NFL Scout told ProFootballWeekly.com that “Asomugha has been thrown to less times than any other corner I’ve seen in the last 10 years.” Interceptions and Pro Bowls are overrated. This guy is the real deal.

The Problem: Aside from 9 out of 10 Seahawks fans not being able to pronounce his name (NAM-dee AWE-sum-WAH), there are surprisingly other problems with bringing this elite cornerback to Seattle. Asomugha has told the Raiders that he would not like them to place the franchise tag on him, but it is very unlikely the Raiders will let him go – especially without compensation. It is hard to believe that the Oakland Raiders would let the league’s top cornerback walk away for nothing.

I know I promised earlier that I wouldn’t say anything about money, but it is worth mentioning in this case. Cornerbacks have been big money-makers the past few off seasons: Asante Samuel (six years, $60 million), and Nate Clements (eight years, $80 million). Not to mention Marcus Trufant’s six year, 50 million dollar contract he signed with the Seahawks before he became a free agent last year. Nnamdi Asomugha will likely command another enormous deal, as he not only the top free agent defensive back, but arguably the best corner in football. We’ve already invested a lot of money (Trufant) and draft choices (Wilson, Jennings …) on our defensive backfield.

Bottom Line: Nnamdi Asomugha would look GREAT in a Seahawks uniform, but it is very unlikely we’ll see it anytime soon. The Oakland Raiders are not going to let him leave without getting something in return, and if he does somehow become a free agent, lots of teams will throw the bank at him. A 6’2” shutdown cornerback would be a dream come true, but we’ll probably have to look elsewhere.

Other Options: Kelvin Hayden (Colts), Domonique Foxworth (Falcons), Dunta Robinson (Texans), Jabari Greer (Titans), Andre’ Goodman (Dolphins), Bryant McFadden (Steelers)