NFL Free Agency: 30 worst free agency signings this century
By Randy Gurzi
CB. Philadelphia Eagles. Nnamdi Asomugha. 6. player. 54.
6. Worst NFL free agency signings this century: Nnamdi Asomugha
Easily one of the most highly touted players in free agency in 2011, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha was a can’t miss prospect. He made three Pro Bowls in a row from 2008 to 2010 for the Oakland Raiders.
Asomugha was widely considered a shutdown corner still in his prime with the Silver and Black. A former first-round pick from Cal, the Raiders left Asomugha on an island for eight seasons and he excelled for them out on the perimeter.
His first shot at free agency came in 2009. The Raiders gave him a three-year deal worth nearly $30 million. The final year was an option that ended up setting him up for a free agency run after just two years. Oakland was unable to use the franchise tag on him thanks to a stipulation in the contract.
Asomugha was then recruited by the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. Former Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Ryan was in Dallas. That seemed to give them an edge in landing the star player. In the end, Asomugha signed a contract with the Eagles, as they offered him the best contract at five years and $60 million, with $25 million guaranteed.
His first season wasn’t a complete bust, as he had three interceptions and 40 tackles. However, he was giving up more receptions than expected, as his ability to shut receivers down seemed to wane.
Then in 2012, he struggled more and went from a guy quarterbacks shied away from to a target they would attack. Asomugha struggled through the year, which wound up being his last season with the Eagles.
At 32 years of age, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers the following season but managed to play just three games that year before being waived.