No if-ands-or-buts Raiders need to re-sign Nnamdi
When his name was called as the 31st pick in the 2003 NFL Draft, analysts and draft pundits alike were left scratching their heads. Even worse, then league commissioner Paul Tagliabue couldn’t even pronounce his last name.
No one knew what to make of 6-foot, 2-inch, safety out of Cal back then. Now, with the NFL's free agency period just beyond the horizon, he’ll be a hot commodity if he hits the open market.
That’s why it’s imperative the Oakland Raiders put the vice grip on No. 21 before he even gets a hint of the free-agent air.
No matter what it takes, they’ve got to keep Nnamdi Asomugha a Raider for a long, long time.
After two years of relative obscurity sitting on the bench, the former Golden Bear flourished in 2006 as Oakland’s top corner back. Once viewed as a one-dimensional defender — big hitter, Stone Henge for hands — Asomugha was a role model thief.
Through tireless practice and workouts — former Raiders’ boss Art Shell noted last year Asomugha stayed well beyond practice to work on his catching — No. 21 nabbed eight interceptions as well as 50 tackles and a sack in 2006 earning a spot in the Pro Bowl.
Asomugha finally proved critics wrong, becoming a shut down corner.
Just how good has Asomugha become?
He’s bee only thrown to 22 times this year with only 11 passes completed on him — one for a touchdown — and an interception.
During the Denver and Oakland broadcast last Sunday, former NFL quarterback Steve Beuerline asked Bronco’s signal caller Jay Cutler before the game if he was going to challenge Asomugha. Cutler responded with a quick and abrupt “No”.
Asomugha has validated Al Davis’ belief the safety-turned-corner could become a top-flight defender.
After undoubtedly reading the harsh criticism laid upon the Raiders for making such a reach when Asomugha was drafted, Davis had probably one of the biggest grins when the 2006 season ended. Asomugha is one of a handful pet projects that has actually panned out for the wily owner.
That right there may be the biggest reason Asomugha lands a big contract at the end of the year.
Keyword may.
This isn’t the first time a high-profile corner has reached the end of his contract terms in Oakland.
Two words — Charles Woodson.
Like Asomugha, Woodson — a first round pick in 1998 — was an Al Davis selection through and through. With unparalleled size, speed, tackling ability, hands and a Heisman Trophy to boot, the former Michigan star was a Davis fantasy come to life.
Through his first four seasons as a Raider, Woodson — a four-time Pro Bowler — was indeed as good as advertised, shutting down receivers and picking off passes. But as soon as he neared the end of his term, injuries, questionable work ethic and grumbling about money eroded the Woodson aura.
Instead of a long-term deal, he was slapped with the franchise tag and at the end of the 2005 season, Woodson was no longer a Raider.
Oakland would be wise to avoid another disaster when it comes to dealing with Asomugha.
While Asomugha's and Woodson's on-the-field performance has been almost parallel the last two years, there’s one thing Oakland’s current shutdown corner has over the former.
Asomugha strives to get better. Woodson on the other hand thinks he’s the best there is.
If that alone isn’t enough for Davis to open up his wallet and pay the man, Oakland will probably be in the market for the next best thing at corner come April.