Nnamdi

Asomugha

The sides were discussing a 2008 sixth in place of the ’09 fifth, but Al Davis wanted Hall bad and Atlanta got its upgrade, albeit next year. Hall, 24, has the skills to be an elite corner, but tends to lose focus and control of his temper. He can be beat deep. The Raiders may be kicking themselves shortly for not giving this money to Nnamdi Asomugha, a far superior all-around player. Asomugha isn’t one to complain, but this likely won’t go over well with him.

To PFT’s credit, they made it clear several times that the tip was uncorroborated and it’s unknown if the offer has even been made. Blockbuster trades including multiple superstars rarely happen, and this one reads more like a fantasy football mega-deal. Initial skepticism is advised and warranted.

Asomugha was Woodson’s teammate in Oakland from 2003-2005, although he insists he’s “not doing any recruiting,” and the two have only “texted a few times about winning a Super Bowl.” Woodson can probably save his text messages, because the last time Packers GM Ted Thompson made a pricey free agent move, it was April 2006. We’ll let you guess who he signed.

We’re not even sure where this rumor started in the first place, but it was likely speculation involving LT Jared Gaither. The Ravens have serious injuries at the corner spot, but there’s no way they can afford Asomugha’s contract.

Asomugha will sign a one-day contract with the Raiders on Friday, retiring as a member of the organization that made him the No. 31 overall pick of the 2003 draft. Asomugha was a two-time All Pro for the Raiders, including in 2010. He hit the open market the following summer, and was the most sought after post-lockout free agent. Asomugha landed a five-year, $60 million deal from the Eagles that included $25 million guaranteed, but was a mammoth bust in the City of Brotherly Love, earning his release last March. He signed a one-year contract with the 49ers, but played just 149 snaps before being benched in Week 4. He was released in November. Asomugha is only 32, but simply has nothing left.

Asomugha took a Chester Taylor knee to head and immediately went down, eventually making his way off the field groggily. He was unable to return.

He won’t be able to negotiate with other teams and will get at least $9.8 million with the exclusive version. Asomugha didn’t repeat his eight-pick performance from 2006 last year, but that was because opponents rarely tested the 26-year-old. Through the first 14 weeks, only 27 passes were thrown at the Raiders’ left corner. Nine of the attempts were complete.

Oakland can do that by signing him long term. Asomugha, arguably the NFL’s best cover corner, should easily get a deal rivaling Nate Clements’.

It might not get him in the Pro Bowl, however, even though a trip to Honolulu is a year overdue for Asomugha. Antonio Cromartie’s 10 interceptions could put him over the top with Asante Samuel and Champ Bailey virtual locks. We suspect Oakland will still hit Asomugha with the franchise tag this offseason.